Although you may not be familiar with SAM-e (S-Adenosyl methionine), a naturally occurring compound found throughout your body, this molecule has a powerful effect on your health, particularly your brain function, mood and emotions, and even your joint strength.

In fact, when you are suffering from a SAM-e deficiency, you may experience a variety of problematic symptoms, such as depression, low energy levels, and joint pain.

For decades, SAM-e has been a popular dietary supplement in Europe, thanks to its numerous health benefits. (1) However, until recent years, it was a lesser-known supplement in the US.

Recently, though, SAM-e has surged in popularity in the U.S. And that's all thanks to the highly effective benefits of SAM-e supplements. Today, it’s time to learn more about this powerful supplement and what it can do for you.

As you begin to understand the powerful health benefits it offers, you may decide it is a supplement you would benefit from taking. Fortunately, there are plenty of supplements to choose from.

To help you narrow down the options, a review of five of the most popular SAM-e supplements can be found below. But first, here’s a quick look at everything you need to know about SAM-e. 

What is SAM-e?

As stated above, SAM-e is a naturally occurring compound that plays a key role in normal body function. (2) It is responsible for producing and regulating hormones, including those that cause emotional and physical distress, as well as maintaining your cell membranes.

In addition, it is involved in the production of cartilage which cushions and protects your joints. 

Multiple SAM-e studies have been conducted over the years with results consistently showing that SAM-e supplementation naturally treats depression and joint pain just as effectively as prescription antidepressants and NSAIDS. (3)

In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health asked researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School to evaluate the effectiveness of SAM-e as an additive therapy to individuals struggling with major depression who were resistant to FDA-approved medications.

Patients who received the SAM-e supplement showed a 105% higher response rate and a 121% higher remission rate than those who did not. (4) Many people also reported a mild energy boost when taking the supplement. 

Who Could Benefit from SAM-e Supplements?

To be honest, just about anyone is likely to experience some benefits when taking a SAM-e supplement. For some people, though, SAM-e supplements can provide added or enhanced benefits.

  1. Mood Boost. Anyone who is struggling with depression (both chronic and acute), particularly when linked to stress, or simply wants to maintain their current mood could potentially benefit from SAM-e.
  2. Cognitive Enhancement. Anyone who is often tired, fatigued, or frequently experiencing brain fog.
  3. Mobility Support. Individuals who are suffering from osteoarthritis and joint pain may also benefit from it.
  4. Energy. Anyone diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia.

Keep in mind that you should always speak with your physician before starting any type of dietary supplement. This is especially true if you are taking prescription medications.

Warning signs & Reasons to Avoid Buying SAM-e 

If you are bipolar

If you are diagnosed with bipolar disorder, SAM-e has the potential to trigger a manic episode. (5)

If there are too many ingredients

The supplement you choose should include SAM-e and the ingredients necessary to form the tablet and keep it together. Other ingredients are likely just unnecessary fillers and additives.

If they are marketed in another language or via mass emails.

The FDA strongly suggests avoiding any supplement marketed almost completely through a language you don't understand or through a mass email. (6) They could be tainted and/or dangerous.

What You Should Look for in A good SAM-e Supplement

When selecting a SAM-e supplement, there are several things you should look for. This includes:  

An enteric-coated tablet

Your body more readily absorbs them and because of their special coating, they stay chemically stable longer, increasing their shelf life.

A reputable manufacturer

Dietary supplements are not highly regulated by the FDA, so you’ll need to be extra careful when selecting one. Look for one made by a well-known manufacturer that uses a pharmaceutical GMP-compliant facility, meaning it adheres to the same strict requirements as pharmaceutical drug companies.

A money-back guarantee

It’s important to note that SAM-e may not work for everyone. It’s a good idea to select a supplement that offers a satisfaction guarantee. This tells you the manufacturer stands behind their product and also ensures you don’t lose any money if you find it doesn’t work for you.

The qualities above are of the utmost importance when selecting your SAM-e supplement. That said, to find the best SAM-e supplements, it is a good idea to take into account these often-overlooked secrets.

The 2 Secrets of a High-Quality SAM-e Supplement

It does not contain talc

Talc is not considered food-grade by the Food and Drug Administration, and can actually be a carcinogen. Dubious supplements may use talc as a filler in their capsules, despite the official rebuke from the FDA.

It is soy-free

Soy may sometimes be present as soybean oil. Soy may be an allergen for some, replete with various negative health issues. It should be avoided when possible.

our specialized ranking system

Now, that you have a better understand of SAM-e and how you can benefit from the supplement, it’s time to look at some of the most popular supplements on the market. At Smarter Reviews, we employ a comprehensive evaluation system to analyze and measure the full value of products. This is based on ingredients, safety, potential effectiveness, return policies, and overall customer satisfaction. We call our method the Smarter Reviews Ranking System.

TOP 5 SAM-E Supplements

We looked at 5 of the most popular SAM-e supplements currently available. Here's what we found.