Top 6 Benefits of SAMe for MS- Summary :
1. SAMe plays a key role in your overall health
2. Treating Depression With SAMe Supplement
3. SAMe Improves Levels of Neurotransmitters
4. SAMe Reduces Oxidative Stress and Offers Neuroprotection
5. SAMe Reduces Pain and Stiffness, Improves Mobility and Range of Motion
6. SAMe Is Anti Inflammatory and Modulates Immune Response
1. SAMe plays a key role in your overall health
Also known as S-Adenosyl-l methionine, SAMe is a naturally-occurring molecule found in almost cell of the body and brain. It is involved in over 100 chemical reactions including three essential metabolic pathways : transsulfuration transmethylation and polyamine synthesis.
Technical :
Transsulfuration is a metabolic pathway that involves the conversion of the sulfur atom of SAMe to cysteine through a sequence of enzymatic steps. Cysteine is an effective cellular anti-oxidant. Transmethylation is a biologically important chemical reaction where the methyl group of the SAMe is transferred to acceptors such as proteins, DNA and phospholipids. SAMe helps in the synthesis of polyamines, which are needed for the normal cell development.
SAMe enhances the body’s immunity. It assists in the synthesis of brain chemicals, such as dopamine, serotonin and melatonin. You must have healthy amounts of vitamin B12 and Vitamin B9 in the body to efficiently produce and use SAMe.Researchers have indicated the effectiveness of SAMe for relieving the pain caused by osteoarthritis. Several other studies show that SAMe helps in the treatment of health disorders including cancer, liver diseases, fibromyalgia and depression.
2. Treating Depression With SAMe Supplement
According to researchers, people with MS are at a greater risk of getting of being affected by depression, with a lifetime prevalence of ∼50%![]()
. [1] Studies have found SAMe supplement to be successful for the treatment of depression alone and in combination with other antidepressants. It looks that SAMe is a safe and effective treatment for curbing anxiety and depression. [2]. In fact, SAMe is a prescription drug in Europe (being approved for depression and osteoarthritis), while in North-America is available as an over the counter supplement.
SAMe works by increasing the levels of both norepinephrine and serotonin. It is not only an effective antidepressant agent, but it is also better tolerated by people. [3][4]. It works great alone, but also in combination with conventional antidepressants.
2. SAMe Optimizes Brain Functioning
In one study, it was found that the levels of SAMe in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of people with depression and Alzheimer’s were considerably low. The researchers administered SAMe to these patients orally or through the injection.
They found there was a substantial increase of SAMe in CSF of patients; thus signifying that the dosage passed through their blood-brain barrier (this is a big concern, as many supplements do not cross the blood brain barrier). These findings concluded that SAMe created an effective antidepressant effect. [5]
SAMe is also a therapeutic treatment for mild cognitive impairments and brain fog, and overall improving the quality of life. [6]
3. SAMe Improves The Levels of Neurotransmitters
SAMe helps maintain healthy levels of neurotransmitters. Multiple sclerosis had been associated with certain neurotransmitter imbalances for example: norepinephrine, [7] [8] dopamine [9], acethylcholine [10] and serotonin [11] imbalances.
SAMe’s stimulates the formation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, monoamines and norepinephrine. [12] [13]
4. SAMe Reduces Oxidative Stress and Offers Neuroprotection (Study In Animal Models)
Increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain are responsible for the initiation and progression of neurodegenerative conditions such as MS and Alzheimer s disease. On the other hand, glutathione is an effective antioxidant that protects cells from damage done due to oxidative stress. Well, SAMe is a precursor of gluthatione and therefore offers protection against oxidative stress and inflammation, according to a study conducted in animal models. [14]
5. SAMe Reduces Pain and Stiffness, Improves Mobility and Range of Motion
SAMe helps to alleviate pain caused by chronic autoimmune diseases. [15] SAMe decreases morning stiffness, reduces pain and swelling, improves the range of motion and functioning of joints, and increases walking speed. Studies have found that effectiveness of SAMe is equivalent to NSAIDs (non steroid anti-inflammatory drugs). [16][17]
6. SAMe Is Anti Inflammatory and Modulates Immune Response
Changes of both DNA and protein by methylation are essential factors in normal T and B cell immune responses as well as in the development of autoimmune disease.- and SAMe plays a key role in methylation.
Technical:
Arginine-methylated MBP (myelin basic protein) stimulates an autoimmune response in multiple sclerosis. It has been found that anti-myelin basic protein antibodies are present in human and animal model of MS. These findings confirm that methylation modifications help to maintain the T-cell functioning and immune dysfunction in inflammation and autoimmune disease. The presence of the methyl donor group is important for the occurrence of transmethylation reactions. SAMe is an effective methyl donor and it is produced during the conversion of methionine in an ATP-consuming reaction. [18] [19]
Are There Any Concerns Regarding SAMe?
SAMe should not be used in cases of bipolar illness. There were concerns that SAMe may increase homocysteine levels, but studies reveal it is safe and non-toxic. [20]
References
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1739575/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15538131
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12418499
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24856557
5. http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/jnnp/53/12/1096.full.pdf
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22335134
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2821365
8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3105488/
9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4357260/
10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5187809/
11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24562640
12. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212958815000415
13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22335134
14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28453493
15. http://www.currenttherapeuticres.com/article/S0011-393X(05)80805-7/pdf
16. http://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/sadenosylmethionine
17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22335134
18. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25180283
19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3543504/
20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22687580?log$=activity
