Integrative Therapies for Depression - Serotonin Precursors - SAMe
Scott Olson, ND
SAMe (pronounced "Sammy") stands for S-adenosyl-L-methionine. SAMe is a compound produced by the liver and used throughout the body in a chemical process called methylation. Methylation, essential to many chemical reactions in the body, is one of the last steps in the production of the brain chemicals serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine (which regulate mood).
Because there are no foods that have high SAMe levels, our bodies must make this substance. Our liver usually creates SAMe from the amino acid (protein) methionine, which is found in many foods. Interestingly, supplementing with methionine does not work as well as supplementing with SAMe, because creating SAMe takes multiple steps and requires many co-factors (other nutrients, such as vitamin B12, folate and others) to ensure that the process is successful.
While the use of SAMe in your body is diverse (it participates in over 35 biochemical processes), the process of interest in depression is the creation of the brain chemicals mentioned above (dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine). People with depression often have low levels of these brain chemicals, and SAMe affects these neurotransmitters in different ways. SAMe slows the breakdown of these brain chemicals, allowing them to work longer. In addition, SAMe speeds production of the receptors which receive these neurotransmitters. The presence of additional receptors allows the neurotransmitters that are present to work more effectively. Some research suggests that SAMe may also make the existing receptors more responsive (better able to receive messages from neurotransmitters). All of these functions combine to create increased levels of neurotransmitters, which decreases depressive symptoms. Research confirms that both depressed and non-depressed people who supplement with SAMe have higher overall levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. In research on treating depression, the positive effects of SAMe have been impressive. These studies, however, have been small, so it is difficult to determine which groups of people will benefit most from this supplement.
Add to the discussion