This natural molecule can actually boost brain & emotional health!

    According to the World Health Organization, 970 million people worldwide suffer from mental health problems, of which anxiety and depression are the most common^[1]. A new meta-analysis shows that S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) has a significant effect in improving the mood of patients with depression. Its effect is similar to that of some antidepressants, directly by affecting neurotransmitter methylation. Acts on the brain and is associated with improving cognitive function to combat brain changes caused by aging ^[2].

Source: sciencedirect

S-adenosylmethionine second only to ATP

S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is an endogenous compound naturally occurring in human cells and was first discovered by Giulio Cantoni in 1952^[3]. SAMe is synthesized from methionine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the liver through methionine adenosyltransferase and participates in four key metabolic pathways in the body: transmethylation, transthiolation, polyamine synthesis and 5’-deoxyadenosine 5’-free mediated biochemical transformation^[4]. In addition, SAMe is the second largest enzyme substrate after ATP and can participate in more than 200 reactions catalyzed by methyltransferases (MTases) in the human body^[5].

SAMe biosynthesis and metabolism^[4]

The metabolic process of producing, breaking down and regenerating SAMe is called the S-adenosylmethionine cycle. In this process, the reaction of converting homocysteine ​​into methionine requires vitamin B12 as a cofactor and is connected to the folic acid cycle to form one-carbon metabolism, which is important for DNA synthesis, methylation, immune function and amino acid metabolism. and other biological processes are crucial^[6].

SAMe and Brain & Emotional Health

    The Mental Health Association of America (MHA) reported in 2024 that 36% of teenagers in the United States have experienced more than one major depressive episode, and 65% said treatment helped "some symptoms." At the same time, according to China's "2023 Mental Health Blue Book", only 36% of people think that their mental health is good, and the detection rates of depression and anxiety among adults are as high as 10.6% and 15.8% respectively. This series of data reveals the prevalence and urgency of mental health issues.

Studies have shown that in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with severe depression and Alzheimer's disease, SAMe levels are significantly lower than normal. This finding reveals the link between depression and methylation metabolism, thus pointing to the role of SAMe in improving Potential utility in emotional well-being^[5].

    SAMe promotes the methylation process, increases the secretion of neurotransmitters, and improves the binding of neurotransmitters to receptor sites, thereby increasing the activity of serotonin and dopamine and promoting better brain cell membrane fluidity, which helps improve Emotions and supporting cognitive processes. In addition, the benefits of SAMe may also come from its antioxidant properties. SAMe is a precursor to the synthesis of glutathione, which can help detoxify cells by scavenging free radicals^[7].

    Since 1979, SAMe has been launched as a prescription drug in Italy, Spain, Germany, etc. to improve depression and arthritis. In 1999, SAMe was marketed as a dietary supplement in the United States through the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act.

SAMe dietary supplement from Life Extension contains 400 mg of SAMe per tablet to help support healthy mood, joint comfort and liver function.

Source: Amazon

       Reference source：

       [1]https://www.who.int/health-topics/mental-health#tab=tab_2

       [2]https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278584624000538#ab0010

       [3]https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ja01131a519

       [4]https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cpr.12891

       [5]https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-022-03280-5

       [6]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30412672/

       [7]https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/18/3148

       [8]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5102282/

       [9]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23759244/