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Recommendation Number 8:
S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)

DOSAGE: 200 mg to 1600 mg per day.

Restore Youthful Methylation Patterns with SAMe

Published research shows that methylation defects create a variety of age-related problems including neuronal and hepatic dysfunction.353-360 Enhancing youthful methylation facilitates healthy enzymatic life processes throughout the body.

S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a critical methylation component and plays important roles in regulating neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) such as serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine. SAMe also participates in the making of genetic material, known as DNA, and cartilage.

Enhance Mood And Protect Joints

Not only can SAMe enhance mood and alleviate melancholy, but it can also protect the joint linings from structural degradation.361-365 Since aging people often suffer joint discomfort and immobilization, SAMe addresses multiple problems people face as they grow older.

An agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services conducted a meticulous evaluation of SAMe in 2002. Their findings show that the efficacy of SAMe is comparable to mainstream medicine in promoting good mood and bone and joint health. The difference, however, is that SAMe is virtually free of the side effects.366 This U.S. government report concluded that SAMe is 80% better in promoting joint comfort.

SAMe should be taken with cofactors vitamin B12 and folic acid.367 If you take Life Extension Mix, Two-Per-Day and/or the Life Extension Super Booster, you automatically get these cofactors.

S-adenosylmethionine: The Best Neural And Hepatic Health Supplement

Not all SAMe supplements are created equal. SAMe is an unstable molecule that requires special processing to ensure stability. Analysis of several popular brands of SAMe revealed many of them did not contain what was claimed on the label.

Life Extension members can obtain pharmaceutical-quality SAMe at competitive prices. A box of 20 400-mg tablets retails for $35.00. If a member buys six boxes, the price is reduced to $21.00 per box. Healthy people should take 400-800 mg daily.

Warning
SAMe should not be taken by those diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

More Info on Neural And Hepatic Health (SAMe)

Restore Youthful Methylation Patterns with SAMe

Top Ten Nutritional Supplements

1: Multivitamins and Minerals
(Life Extension Mix™)

2: Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil)

3: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

4: Mitochondrial Function (MEO)

5: Hormone Balance (DHEA)

6: Brain Cell Function (Cognitex)

7: Bone Health (for women and men)

7a: Prostate Health (for men only)

8: Neural and Hepatic Health (SAMe)

9: Cardiovascular Health (Aspirin)

10: Vitamin K, Gamma Tocopherol (Super Booster Softgels)

References

353. Paulsen M, Ferguson-Smith AC. DNA methylation in genomic imprinting, development, and disease. J Pathol. 2001 Sep;195(1):97-110.

354. Zhu BT. Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT)-mediated methylationmetabolism of endogenous bioactive catechols and modulation by endobiotics and xenobiotics: importance in pathophysiology and pathogenesis. Curr Drug Metab. 2002 Jun;3(3):321-49.

355. Craig SA. Betaine in human nutrition. Am J Clin Nutr. 2004 Sep;80(3):539-49.

356. Anzola M, Cuevas N, Lopez-Martinez M, et al. Patterns of methylation profiles as diagnostic markers for multiple hepatocellular carcinomas. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2004 Mar;39(3):246-51.

357. Poschl G, Stickel F, Wang XD, et al. Alcohol and cancer: genetic and nutritional aspects. Proc Nutr Soc. 2004 Feb;63(1):65-71.

358. Wainfan E, Poirier LA. Methyl groups in carcinogenesis: effects on DNA methylation and gene expression. Cancer Res. 1992 Apr 1;52(7 Suppl):2071s-2077s.

359. Bell KM, Potkin SG, Carreon D, et al. S-adenosylmethionine blood levels in major depression: changes with drug treatment. Acta Neurol Scand Suppl. 1994;154:15-8.

360.Becker A, Smulders YM, Teerlink T, et al. S-adenosylhomocysteine and the ratio of S-adenosylmethionine to S-adenosylhomocysteine are not related to folate, cobalamin and vitamin B6 concentrations. Eur J Clin Invest. 2003 Jan;33(1):17-25.

361. Kagan BL, Sultzer DL, Rosenlicht N, et al. Oral S-adenosylmethionine in depression: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Am J Psychiatry. 1990 May;147(5):591-5.

362. Bell KM, Plon L, Bunney WE Jr, Potkin SG. S-adenosylmethionine treatment of depression: a controlled clinical trial. Am J Psychiatry. 1988 Sep;145(9):1110-4.

363. Glorioso S, Todesco S, Mazzi A, et al. Double-blind multicentre study of the activity of S-adenosylmethionine in hip and knee osteoarthritis. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1985;5(1):39-49.

364.Najm WI, Reinsch S, Hoehler F, et al. S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) versus celecoxib for the treatment of osteoarthritis symptoms: a double blind cross-over trial. [ISRCTN36233495]. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2004 Feb 26;5(1):6.

365. Bottiglieri T. S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe): from the bench to the bedside—molecular basis of a pleiotrophic molecule. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002 Nov;76(5):1151S-7S.

366. Evidence Report/Technology Assessment No. 64, S-Adenosyl-LMethionine for Treatment of Depression, Osteoarthritis, and Liver Disease. http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/epcsums/samesum.htm#Contents15.

367. Miller AL. The methionine-homocysteine cycle and its effects on cognitive diseases. Altern Med Rev. 2003 Feb;8(1):7-19.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. You should not stop taking any medication without first consulting your physician.