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SAM-e Complete Review – Is it Effective?

By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc

Reviewed by Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir

Last Updated:

Evidence Based | Facts | Ingredients | Health Benefits | Warnings | Price | How To Use | Bottom Line

SAM-e Complete is advertised as a nutritional supplement designed to restore a healthy balanced mood and provide joint comfort by replenishing the body’s natural SAM-e supply. The formula is manufactured by Pharmavite, under the Nature Made brand.

According to the manufacturer, the formula is the number one bestselling brand of SAM-e supplement. Pharmavite is a company located in California, U.S.A, which manufactures a variety of condition specific medication and dietary supplements. The formula is part of the Nature’s Made line of products, claimed to be the first line of dietary supplements to earn a third-party quality seal of approval through the USP (United States Pharmacopeia) Verification Program.

The manufacturer mentions that SAM-e Complete is clinically proven to help restore a healthy mood in as little as 7 to 14 days, although no evidence is brought to support this claim.

Facts

1) SAM-e Complete Quick Facts

SAM-e Complete contains 400 mg SAMe (S-Adenosyl Methionine), a chemical naturally produced by the body, particularly in the liver. SAM-e’s medical applicability derives from its role in the secretion and metabolism of key neurotransmitters Melatonin, Serotonin, and Dopamine.There is evidence that SAM-e may be effective in managing symptoms of mood disorders such as depression and dystimia. Additionally, research has shown that SAM-e may be useful in treating anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and depressed mood.

SAMe has also been studied in relation to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as severely low levels of SAM-e have been found in all brain regions an in the cerebrospinal fluid of Alzheimer’s disease patients examined. Additional research is however necessary to establish a relation between the two factors.There is also increased interest in studying SAM-e for pain disorders such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and migraine headache and attention disorders such as ADHD.

SAMe seems to be well tolerated by most people on the short term; however it can cause gas, vomiting, dry mouth, headache, diarrhea, constipation, mild insomnia, dizziness and nervousness, especially at higher doses. It can make some people with depression feel anxious. Long term side effects of SAM-e are currently unknown. There is serious concern about its interaction with depression drugs, MAO Inhibitors, and other drugs that may increase Serotonin in the brain.

SAMe is also used in various formulas for nootropics like Genius Joy.

Ingredients

2) SAM-e Complete Ingredients

SAM-e Complete includes the following ingredients: Dibasic Calcium Phosphate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin, Niacinamide, Cellulose Gel, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide, Croscarmellose Sodium, Polyethylene Glycol, Folic Acid, Cyanocobalamin, and Biotin.

3) Does SAM-e Complete Work?

SAM-e Complete is claimed to promote healthy moods, treating mild forms of depression. S-adenosylmethionine Tosylate is the only active ingredient in the formula.

S-adenosylmethionine Tosylate (SAM-e) is a substance naturally produced in our bodies, being involved in more than 40 metabolic reactions. This element was first discovered in 1952, and its mechanism of action has been studied ever since. Some researchers believe that supplemental, artificial SAM-e taken on a regular basis may help fight depression, liver disease, and the pain of osteoarthritis. The manufacturer’s claims regarding this formula are not far-fetched considering that some studies found SAM-e to help relieve mild-to-moderate depression and some fibromyalgia symptoms. Researchers are still not certain how this substance works, but they speculate it might increase the amount of serotonin in the brain.

The manufacturer recommends starting with two tablets per day. S-adenosylmethionine Tosylate (SAM-e) is absorbed best on an empty stomach so you should take it at least 30 minutes before a meal. Clinical studies indicate that benefits to mood may be evident in as little as 7-14 days of supplementation. If benefits are not achieved within two weeks, you may require a higher level of supplementation. To determine the proper level of supplementation that works for you, gradually increase the number of tablets (maximum 1600 mg/day) until benefits are achieved. You should avoid taking this formula together with St. John’s Wort or MAO inhibitors.

There are testimonials posted online about this formula. What is being stated includes:

  • This product worked great for me

  • Results can be felt after about 10 days

  • After a week of taking this product, I found that I was handling stress much better than usual

  • I noticed a positive difference in my mood and energy level/ This supplement helped me through the roughest time of my life

Health Benefits

4) SAM-e Complete Health Benefits

  • Money Back Guarantee available, although details will have to be obtained through an inquiry with the manufacturer;
  • The supplement is free of artificial flavors, preservatives, yeast, and gluten;
  • Generally positive consumer reviews.
Warnings

5) SAM-e Complete Product Warnings

  • Several serious potential drug interactions and side effects;
  • Relatively expensive product (a month’s supply may cost as much as $50 if no promotions or discounts are applied).
Price

6) SAM-e Complete Price

The average price per tablet makes SAM-e Complete a relatively expensive product. It is sold by 60 tablets, which should barely be enough for one month of treatment for the average user. Unfortunately, you cannot purchase this product directly from the manufacturer. However, many online and offline retailers have it available for purchase. We advise you to compare prices between retailers as they tend to vary.

How To Use

7) How to Use SAM-e Complete

The manufacturer recommends taking 1 tablet of SAM-e Complete daily 30 minutes before a meal. The manufacturer mentions a satisfaction guarantee policy, but gives no further details. Consumer testimonials generally claim the formula is effective, while reporting certain side effects such as stomach cramps and pains. The manufacturer recommends avoiding use when taking St. John’s Wort and MAO Inhibitors.

Bottom Line

8) Our Bottom Line

SAM-e Complete is based on a single active ingredient, SAM-e, a substance important to regulating mood. SAM-e is also able to offer liver protection, joint function, and liver function support. There is a large number of consumer reviews referring to the formula, generally reporting it to be effective in restoring a balanced mood and alleviating symptoms of depression andanxiety Still, you should be aware that SAM-e may interact with a number of anti-depressants, especially MAO inhibitors.This is particularly why we highly recommend that you discuss all details with a healthcare provider before using the dietary supplement.

3.1/5 - (10 votes)
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