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Review Summary |
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As
natural supplements grow in popularity, an increasing
number of products have entered the market promising to
help individuals cope with stress and ease symptoms of
depression. Although prescription antidepressants have
been a great help to many people struggling with
depression and other mood disorders, natural supplements
are becoming an increasingly accepted method of treating
mild symptoms and managing stress.
Unlike well-known treatments like St. John’s Wort and
Ginseng, SAMe is not an herb, but rather a chemical
compound. It is still considered “natural” and is
available without a prescription. We will take a close
look at this compound in order to assess its benefits
and determine possible alternatives.
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Ingredients at a Glance |
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SAMe is an abbreviated marketing name for the chemical
compound S-Adenosyl-Methionine.
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Ingredients in Focus |
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S-Adenosyl-Methionine (SAMe) is a biological compound
present in living cells. It was first discovered in
1952, but did not become popular as a dietary supplement
until the late 1990’s. It was originally tested as a
possible treatment for schizophrenia in Europe, and
while it proved ineffective for that particular purpose,
scientists did observe that it seemed to have some
positive effect on depression if used regularly. In
fact, it is currently regulated and prescribed like a
drug in Europe. Some also believe that SAMe may help to
prevent the onset of arthritis and even help to heal
liver damage.
A healthy brain produces all of the SAMe it needs, but
it is believed that the brains of depressed people may
produce insufficient quantities of the compound.
Scientists emphasize that supplemental SAMe will have no
effect at all on healthy brains.
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Lifestyle |
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Supplemental SAMe is likely to appeal to those who are
experiencing mild and/or occasional depression and are
interested in trying an all-natural formula. Of course,
it goes without saying that those who believe that they
may be suffering from depression or any other form of
mental illness should seek advice from their doctor.
However, many individuals have found relief from mild
mood swings caused by PMS, menopause, and stress thanks
to a dietary supplement.
Despite SAMe’s popularity, the effects of this compound
are still not thoroughly understood, and some physicians
believe that it may even exacerbate mood swings in some
people. For this reason, consumers may want to look for
a product that is gentler, and has been shown to be
reliable for calming frazzled nerves.
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Positives |
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• Available without a prescription
• Website posts some detailed information
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Negatives |
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• Does not contain the natural form of the mineral
lithium
• Website does not post testimonials
• No free trial sample available
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Final Thoughts |
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Although SAMe has been shown to offer some relief from
symptoms of mild depression, it is not a one-size-fits
all treatment. A stressful job, PMS, menopause, and even
the weather can cause some individuals to experience
frustrating mood swings. Fortunately, the natural form
of the mineral lithium has been shown to help calm these
fluctuations and help individuals to resume a happy life
on a more even keel. When combined with a natural
absorption enhancer like Orotate, users generally find
that just a small amount of natural lithium is enough to
help them feel more like themselves.
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Charles Runels, MD