Nutrient Database

SAM-e

amino acid

Approved

General information about nutrients. No diagnosis, no medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before taking supplements.

Empty stomachNot before sleep

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Overview

Methyl donor involved in over 100 biochemical reactions.

Interactions

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SAMe requires Folate

SAMe is regenerated from homocysteine via the methylation cycle, which requires 5-MTHF (active folate) as a methyl donor. Without folate, SAMe levels drop and homocysteine accumulates.

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SAMe requires B12

B12 (as methylcobalamin) is the cofactor for methionine synthase, which converts homocysteine back to methionine — the direct precursor of SAMe. B12 deficiency breaks the SAMe recycling loop.

Expert consensus: Moderate

Enteric-coated tablets preferred. Avoid with bipolar disorder.

SAM-e — Stackwell