What is SAMe?
According to an article by Newsweek.com,

SAMe is short for S-adenosylmethionine. It's not an herb or a hormone. It's actually a molecule that is found in and produced by all living cells in the body. Involved in a process that occurs a billion times per second in the body, methylation, SAMe is vital. Without it, methylation, a transaction of methyl groups to neighboring molecules, would not occur as we know it. This process regulates everything from various hormone and neurotransmitter levels to brain function. It's importance is so high that according to biochemist Craig Cooney, "Without methylation there would be no life as we know it." It preserves fatty cell membranes, regulates our genes expressions.

What does SAMe do?
The implications of SAMe are huge. It is known as an extremely effective anti-depressant, arthritis and joint pain soother, cartilage rebuilder, and helps with liver conditions, fibromyalgia, and migraines. According to an article by ABCNEWS.com,

"Dr. Richard Brown, an associate professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University, has been offering his patients SAMe for several years, bringing it from Europe. 'By and large, SAMe is faster, better and has hardly any side effects' compared to prescription anti-depressants, he says. 'In fact, it does a lot of good things in the body' like easing joint pain and producing an antioxidant that's helpful to the liver."

Symptoms of Deficiency and SAMe's Incredible Effects on Joints:
The production of SAMe can be stalled if you're running low on B Vitamins. This can lead to high amounts of a toxin, homocysteine. This inturn can increase the risk factor for heart attack and stroke. During pregnancy, the chances for birth defects can be higher as well as the risk for spina bifida - if SAMe levels are stalled. Since numerous studies have implicated it in depression, SAMe can be the answer you've been looking for, as a regulator for seratonin, melatonin, dopamine, and adrenaline - as well as various neurotransmitters.

If you suffer from arthritis or joint problems, you could greatly benefit from the positive effects of SAMe. SAMe works better than ibuprofen or aspirin for treating joint problems for two good reasons. First, SAMe users do not experience the negative side effects assotiated with anti-inflammatory drugs. Some of the side effects are devastating gastric/digestive problems. 103,000 Americans go to the hospital for anti-inflammatory caused ulcers and 16,500 die. Second, these drugs actually worsen joint problems in the long-run because the slow the body's natural production of collagen and proteoglycans, tissues responsible for cartilage and shock absorption. SAMe, on the other hand actually works to replenish and rebuild cartilage by helping to restore levels of collagen and proteoglycans rather than depleting them. In addition, SAMe has no digestive-tract damaging effects.

Evidence:
The evidence supporting SAMe's positive effects is small by FDA standards, but the studies are all very consitent. Since the 1970's, some 1,400 patients involved in 40 studies show that there is virtually no question as to SAMe's positive effects on depression. The efficiency of SAMe is comparable or better than over-the-counter anti-depressants without the negative side effects, and is superior to a placebo. St. John's Wort can also ease low-grade depression and melancholy; however, SAMe has been found effective in far more serious disorders. The response rate of SAMe conpared to desipramine, a well-established anti-depressant, was 62 percent versus 50 percent. Not only does SAMe perform better than know anti-depressants, but it is faster to. Instead of taking from two to six weeks, signifigant changes were experienced after only four to ten days.

More than 22,000 patients have been studied in a dozen clinical studies that show SAMe is an effective molecule for treating joint pain and inflammation. It also worked to restore cartilage. 21 patients given either SAMe or a placebo for a three month period showed interesting results. Those who received SAMe showed measurable results in cartilaginous healing through monitoring MRI scans of the cartilage in the hands.

What else does SAMe do?:
Well, besides being an effective depression-treater, and joint pain-treater/cartilage-healer, SAMe has been shown to help normalize liver function in patients suffering from cirrhosis, hepatitis, and cholestasis. It preserved and reversed liver damage caused by other drugs in the patients as well. It also produces an antioxidant that's helpful to the liver and helps eliminate and destroy free-radicals that can cause liver damage. It's been reported to ease the pain of migraine headaches and help with such conditions as arthritis and fibromyalgia.

How much do I take? What about Side-Effects?:
SAMe is not a "miracle cure all". It is however very effective for treating conditions of depression, joint pain and swelling, liver conditions, and migrains. It's a challenge to find pure high quality SAMe out there. Luckily for you, we've done the searching already. Bodybuilding.com provides the highest quality 100% Organic, 100% Vegan Micro-Activated Ultra-Concentrated S-adenosyl-L-methionine in a potent and quicker absorbing oral spray.

Studies suggest 400mg per day is an effective dose for treating arthritis, while taking upwards of 1600mg per day effectively treats depression. Generally, people with mood problems should start with 400mg per day and ratchet up the amount as necessary.

The best part about SAMe - No adverse side effects have been reported when used as directed. The only caution is for those who suffer from manic depression (bipolar disorder). It could make the person's up moods (mania) worse. Those with major depression should still seek the advice of a doctor or psychologist before trying to treat themselves.

Supplement Facts:

Serving Size: 8 Sprays (1ml)
Servings Per Container: 60

Amount Per Serving:

Distilled Water, Micro-Activated Ultra-Concentrated S-adenosyl-L-methionine, Colloidal Mineral Complex.

Each 8 sprays (1mL) is bioactively equivalent to approx. one (1) 400mg capsule.

100% Organic, 100% Vegan

Directions: Shake well. Spray into mouth and hold for approx. 1 minute before swallowing. Use 8 or more sprays one or more times each day. No food or drink 30 minutes before or after use.

Warnings: Pregnant or lactating mothers, and children under the age of 12, should consult their health care practitioner prior to use.