5 Best Sam-e Supplements To Buy 2024: Top Brand Reviews
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- Written by Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD
Medically reviewed by
Melissa Mitri, MS, RD
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Life Extension SAM-e 400 mg
- Gluten-free
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Subscribe and save option
- Available in 200 mg servings
Doctor’s Best SAM-e 400 mg
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Gluten-free
- Pharmaceutical grade
- Subscribe and save option
Nature Made SAM-e Complete 400 mg
- Subscribe and save option
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- Also available in 200 mg dose
S-adenosyl L-methionine (SAMe)[1] is a naturally-occurring compound found in the body that helps maintain cell membranes and produce and regulate hormones. Knowing where to obtain it and finding the best SAMe supplement is key to optimizing your health.
It is a crucial component in the production of chemicals that play a role in pain, liver function, depression, and other conditions. It is also involved in other critical biological functions such as neurotransmitter signaling and protein function.
SAM-e is not found in food, but certain foods can help boost your body’s production of the compound. Foods that contain the amino acid methionine can help your body increase its production of SAM-e.
You can find methionine in food sources such as fish, eggs, beef, chicken, nuts, and seeds. However, a synthetic version of the compound can also be added to your supplement and vitamin routine.
This article will examine five of the top SAM-e options on the market to help you choose the best SAM-e supplement for your needs.
Best Sam-e Supplements On The Market In (April. 2024)
- Life Extension SAM-e 400 mg– Editor’s Choice
- Doctor’s Best SAM-e 400 mg – Best Pharmaceutical-Grade SAM-e
- Nature Made SAM-e Complete 400 mg – Best Subscribe and Save Monthly Option
- Nature’s Trove SAM-e 400mg – Best Kosher-Certified SAM-e
- Pure Encapsulations SAM-e– Best Capsule SAM-e Supplement
Who Should Take SAM-e Supplements?
Our bodies naturally make SAM-e, but certain vitamin deficiencies can affect its production. It cannot be obtained through food sources, but eating foods rich in the amino acid methionine can help boost your body’s production of S-Adenosyl Methionine. However, if you have increased demand, you might consider turning to a SAM-e supplement.
SAM-e supplements have a list of purported benefits that are believed to help support your overall health. People most commonly take S-Adenosyl L-Methionine supplements for depression or osteoarthritis. It is also used for other health concerns such as liver disease[2], fibromyalgia, and anxiety, but there is a need for additional research surrounding these claims.
Some people consider SAM-e a nootropic supplement since it is said to help support cognitive function and brain metabolism. The research even appears to be leaning towards SAM-e benefits for dementia patients.
SAM-e works alongside vitamin B12 and folate. Therefore, being deficient in either of those specific B vitamins can decrease SAM-e levels in the body.
There are a few groups who shouldn’t take SAM-e supplements, such as those with a history of bipolar disorder. Furthermore, if you are on antidepressants, antipsychotics, amphetamines, or narcotics, you should avoid SAM-e dietary supplementation as it may cause an undesired drug interaction.
If you have questions about your SAM-e needs, it is best to consult your doctor for individualized counseling.
5 Best Sam-e Supplements In 2024
Life Extension SAM-e 400 mg
Life Extension’s SAMe supplement is said to support your joints, liver health, and emotional well-being. Each serving of this vegetarian-friendly supplement provides 400 mg of S-Adenosyl L-Methionine.
- Gluten-free
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Subscribe and save option
- Available in 200 mg servings
- Not vegan-friendly
Life Extension’s SAMe is said to help support your liver health and joint comfort while also maintaining a healthy mood. Each enteric-coated vegetarian tablet provides 400 mg of SAMe.
The SAMe reviews on the company’s website are overwhelmingly positive, with many customers celebrating their improved mood and enhanced overall joint health.
The average recommended dose is one to three tablets daily, divided into single doses unless directed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
Life Extension also suggests taking SAMe on an empty stomach and with co-factors vitamins B12, B6, and folic acid that supply chemical groups or properties not found in the compound. Should you need to adjust your dosage in smaller increments, it is also available in 200 mg servings.
Customers have the option to order as a single purchase or subscribe and save for additional cost savings.
Doctor’s Best SAM-e 400mg
Doctor’s Best Double Strength SAM-e is said to promote cognitive health and enhance your mood. Each enteric-coated tablet contains 400 mg of pharmaceutical-grade SAM-e.
- Vegetarian-friendly
- Gluten-free
- Pharmaceutical grade
- Subscribe and save option
- Not vegan-friendly
Doctor’s Best SAM-e tablets provide 400 mg of the influential compound in every serving. Since it supports overall joint health, SAM-e can enhance mobility and reduce joint pain. Doctor’s Best also promotes their SAM-e as a support to your liver’s health and detoxification.
It is gluten-free and vegan-friendly. With each serving providing 400 mg, 60 enteric-coated tablets of Doctor’s Best double strength SAM-e is one of the most cost-effective S-Adenosyl Methionine supplements on the market. You also have the option to subscribe and save for additional savings.
Nature Made SAM-e Complete 400 mg
Nature Made’s SAM-e Complete helps to support joint comfort and a balanced mood. Just one serving provides 400 mg of the powerful compound.
- Subscribe and save option
- No artificial flavors or preservatives
- Also available in 200 mg dose
- High-cost per serving
One tablet, taken daily, is said to help support a more positive mood and healthy joints. The tablet is about the size of a penny and provides 400 mg of SAM-e. It would be best to take SAM-e Complete on an empty stomach, ideally at least 30 minutes before a meal.
According to their website, many people report mood improvement in as little as one to two weeks. If you’re not experiencing the desired benefits after two weeks, you may need to consult your doctor about gradually increasing your dose. If you take SAM-e Complete with the primary goal of joint health, it may take an entire month to see results.
With only 36 servings per package, Nature Made’s SAM-e price per serving is one of the more expensive options on the market. However, you can subscribe and save to keep it budget-friendly while keeping your supplements stocked.
Nature’s Trove SAM-e 400 mg
Nature’s Trove SAM-e dietary supplement provides 400 mg of SAM-e in enteric-coated caplets, blister-packed for freshness.
- Every batch is lab-tested
- Kosher Certified
- Gluten-free
- Vegan-friendly
- Available in 200 mg servings
- Blister packaging requires more materials
It is recommended to take one caplet daily, ideally on an empty stomach, unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Each serving provides 400 mg of SAM-e. They have an enteric coating and are sealed in blister packs for maximum freshness.
Nature’s Trove SAM-e contains no peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, dairy, soy, wheat, yeast, fish, or animal byproducts. It is Kosher certified, vegan-friendly, and contains no gluten.
Each bottle contains 60 enteric-coated caplets at an affordable cost. You can also find a subscribe and save option to provide additional cost savings.
Additionally, every batch of Nature’s Trove SAM-e is lab-tested, providing you with peace of mind when purchasing your supply.
Pure Encapsulations SAM-e
Pure Encapsulations SAM-e comes in capsule form. Each serving provides 200 mg of S-Adenosyl Methionine to help support brain function and reduce joint pain.
- Free from artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners
- Vegan-friendly
- Glute-free
- Company-wide sustainability initiatives
- High-cost per serving
- Only 200 mg servings are available
You’ll notice this product doesn’t have an enteric coating. Pure Encapsulations SAM-e comes in capsule form, so there is no need for an enteric coating. This product aims to support your overall health through its role in healthy cell growth and glutathione production, a substance essential for your immune system and repairing tissue.
Pure Encapsulations is confident in the quality of their products because they only use trusted suppliers for all their ingredient needs. Their products are carefully manufactured and then tested for both purity and potency.
Pure Encapsulations SAM-e is free from artificial colors, flavors, coatings, and sweeteners. There are also no unnecessary fillers, binders, or preservatives. It is gluten-free and contains no wheat, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, or dairy.
Each capsule provides 200 mg of SAM-e, meaning its cost per serving is relatively high compared to other brands. However, if Pure Encapsulations is the right product for you, you have the option to subscribe and save for additional cost savings.
Benefits Of SAM-e Supplements
S-Adenosyl Methionine supplements can provide a list of health benefits. While most people take SAM-e supplements to help improve brain function[3] and promote joint comfort, SAM-e can also benefit other areas of health.
SAM-e metabolism also plays a role in glutathione production, which is critical for antioxidant defenses and liver function. Some companies may claim that their SAMe product acts as a “liver cleanse,” but that is a stretch. However, this glutathione production can be influential in the treatment of liver disease.
While it supports joint comfort, SAM-e also plays a role in maintaining cell membranes, helping to support your immune system.
Across the board, many consumers have shared their experiences in various SAM-e reviews. It is very common to read that the compound can help support a healthy mood by regulating mood swings and improving mild depression[4]. Other SAM-e reviews spoke to the supplement’s ability to improve chronic pain from conditions such as fibromyalgia.
How To Choose The Best SAM-e Supplements?
If you plan to add an S-Adenosyl Methionine supplement to your wellness routine, navigating the various options can feel overwhelming. SAM-e products are abundant on the market today.
Enteric Coating
When choosing the right supplement for your needs, it is important to look for SAM-e supplements with an enteric coating. What’s so special about an enteric coating?
An enteric-coated tablet can pass through the stomach to the small intestine before the medication is released into the body. Clinical trials have proven that the absorption of SAM-e is more efficient in the small intestine versus the stomach.
Cost
You might also consider the product’s cost. As most SAM-e supplements recommend daily doses, finding a SAM-e dietary supplement that fits your budget is key. Several of the best SAM-e supplements have subscribe-and-save options to help keep your budget on track and your supplement cabinet stocked.
Product Reviews
Lastly, reading product reviews can be very helpful when choosing a supplement. SAM-e supplements can be used for a variety of purposes. During your research, look for reviews that mirror your needs. Of course, our bodies all respond differently to supplementation, so it’s essential to understand that results may vary.
Your medical doctor or a registered dietitian can help you address your specific needs and choose your best SAM-e supplement.
Recommended Dosage
There is no research supporting an ideal dose[4] for SAM-e supplementation. Different purposes may benefit from different doses[5].
For example, those taking SAM-e for depression may take doses ranging anywhere from 200 mg to 1,600 mg daily. Those with osteoarthritis may take 1,200 mg daily, divided into multiple doses. Lastly, those with liver disease may take 800 mg to 1,000 mg per day.
Most S-Adenosyl Methionine supplements are meant to be taken daily, so consistency is key. Do not exceed the recommended dose on the product’s label, and discuss your nutrient needs with your doctor before making any supplement changes. If you do not experience the effects you hoped for, talk with your doctor before increasing your dosage.
SAM-e supplements are considered safe for the average person. However, those with a history of bipolar disorder or suicidal thoughts should not take SAM-e dietary supplements, as they may increase anxiety or mania.
Talk with your doctor before starting a SAM-e supplement if you currently take antidepressants or other serotonin-boosting medications.
Furthermore, talk with your doctor before adding SAM-e to your supplement routine if you have a weakened immune system. A weakened immune system can put you more at risk for an infection from a bacteria called pneumocystis, and SAM-e can increase the microorganism’s growth.
Final Thought
SAM-e is a vital component of several biological functions. Adequate levels of SAMe can help support a healthy mood, improve joint function, and healthy cell growth. The compound is also known to promote cognitive health by encouraging the healthy metabolism of several of the major brain transmitters.
This article is not meant to take the place of individualized medical advice. Talking with your doctor before adding a new supplement to your wellness routine is always important. If you have a history of bipolar disorder or suicidal thoughts, it’s imperative to speak with your doctor before starting a SAM-e supplement.
While researchers have been studying S-Adenosyol L-Methionine for over 20 years, there is still a need for more concrete evidence regarding its effect on our overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best SAM-e supplement will vary between consumers as even the most minor differences can significantly impact its effects. Wellness needs are very individualized, so the best SAM-e choice for each individual will depend on various health factors.
Research suggests that SAM-e supplements do actually work. It’s extremely important to remember that results can vary depending on different factors. However, the best SAM-e supplements have been shown to consistently offer joint support, encourage a healthy mood, and improve brain function. Other research suggests it can even play a role in liver health.
SAM-e[6] increases the turnover of serotonin and may increase levels of dopamine.
Taking a SAM-e supplement is generally considered safe for most people. Some of the best SAM-e supplements can provide a list of health benefits, including improved cognitive function, reduced joint pain, and a supported healthy mood.
+ 6 sources
Health Canal avoids using tertiary references. We have strict sourcing guidelines and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic researches from medical associations and institutions. To ensure the accuracy of articles in Health Canal, you can read more about the editorial process here
- NCCIH. (2013). S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe): In Depth. [online] Available at: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/sadenosyllmethionine-same-in-depth
- Guo, T., Chang, L., Xiao, Y. and Liu, Q. (2015). S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine for the Treatment of Chronic Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLOS ONE, [online] 10(3), p.e0122124. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0122124.
- Sharma, A., Gerbarg, P., Bottiglieri, T., Massoumi, L., Carpenter, L.L., Lavretsky, H., Muskin, P.R., Brown, R.P. and Mischoulon, D. (2017). S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) for Neuropsychiatric Disorders. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, [online] 78(06), pp.e656–e667. doi:10.4088/jcp.16r11113.
- Cuomo, A., Beccarini Crescenzi, B., Bolognesi, S., Goracci, A., Koukouna, D., Rossi, R. and Fagiolini, A. (2020). S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) in major depressive disorder (MDD): a clinician-oriented systematic review. Annals of General Psychiatry, [online] 19(1). doi:10.1186/s12991-020-00298-z.
- https://www.facebook.com/Drugscom (2022). SAMe. [online] Drugs.com. Available at: https://www.drugs.com/npp/same.html
- Cho, A., Eidelberg, A. and Chughtai, B. (2021). Eastern diet and erectile dysfunction. Molecular Mechanisms of Nutritional Interventions and Supplements for the Management of Sexual Dysfunction and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, [online] pp.137–147. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-819765-3.00003-0.
Written by:
Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, MS, RDN, LD
Medically reviewed by:
Medically reviewed by:
