S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe) Helps to Improve Depression

S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe) is a compound the body produces from methionine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) – the body's energy molecule.  To date, at least 40 clinical trials have been conducted on SAMe directly and in combination with traditional antidepressant medications, with data showing SAMe's value in naturally restoring a healthy mood. George I. Papakostas, from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), and colleagues enrolled 73 depressive adults in a six-week long study, in which participants received either SAMe dietary supplement (target dose of 800 mg/twice daily) or placebo.  The team found that SAMe, in combination with standard depression treatment, was more effective than antidepressant treatment alone in improving measures of depression and remission rates of patients with significant clinical depression. Further, SAMe-treated subjects had a greater response and remission rate to treatment than the placebo-treated group. SAMe was well-tolerated with no reported adverse reactions.  The researchers conclude that: “These preliminary results suggest that SAMe can be an effective, well-tolerated, and safe adjunctive treatment [for] depressive disorder.”