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Amino acid derivative

S-Adenosyl Methionine

S-adenosyl-L-methionine, usually shortened to SAMe, is a compound the body makes from the amino acid methionine. It is also manufactured as a supplement.

Also listed as SAME, SAMe, Ademethionine, S-adenosyl-L-methionine

Stress & MoodEssential HealthLongevityOrgan FunctionBone & Joint

What it is studied for

The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.

Mood SupportStress & MoodStrongA3 studies
Essential HealthStrongA3 studies
Oxidative stressLongevityModerateBNo linked study
LiverOrgan FunctionModerateB3 studies
Liver healthOrgan FunctionModerateB3 studies
InflammationModerateBNo linked study
All 12 rated effectsGrouped by health goal, with the publications behind each rating

What is SAMe?

S-adenosyl-L-methionine, usually shortened to SAMe, is a compound the body makes from the amino acid methionine. It is involved in many cellular reactions and is also manufactured as a supplement. You may also see the medicine name ademetionine. 1

Why might it affect mood or the liver?

SAMe donates methyl groups, small chemical units used in metabolic reactions, and participates in pathways that make the antioxidant glutathione. These roles help explain the interest in liver health. The observation of altered SAMe levels in some illnesses has also prompted depression research, but a biological explanation does not tell us how much a treatment helps. 1 2

Key studies

The most recent publications linked to S-Adenosyl Methionine's ratings.

Efficacy and acceptability of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) for depressed patients: A systematic review and meta- analysis2024S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) for Liver Health: A Systematic Review2024S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) for Neuropsychiatric Disorders: A Clinician-Oriented Review of Research.2017S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine for the Treatment of Chronic Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis2015S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) therapy in liver disease: a review of current evidence and clinical utility.2012
All 10 studiesEvery publication linked to S-Adenosyl Methionine

Why people take it

Cognition20.8%
Stress & Mood20%
Essential Health16.3%
Energy12.4%
Longevity11.6%
Immune Support5.1%

SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.

Questions people ask

Is SAMe the same as methionine?

No. Methionine is the amino acid the body uses to make SAMe. Findings from SAMe treatment studies do not establish equivalent effects from eating more methionine. 1

Can SAMe help depression?

A 2024 meta-analysis found a benefit over placebo when SAMe was used alone, with moderate certainty. Its added benefit alongside antidepressants remained uncertain, and medication interactions require clinical attention. 1 3

Is it suitable for bipolar disorder?

It can worsen mania. NCCIH advises against use without health care supervision in people with bipolar disorder. 1

Does it repair the liver?

Some studies report improvements in liver tests or symptoms, but others found no advantage over placebo. Different diseases, preparations and study designs make a general liver-repair claim unjustified. 2

Can it be combined with antidepressants?

That combination needs a clinician’s review because SAMe can interact with serotonin-increasing treatments. A potential interaction matters even when a combination has been investigated in trials. 1 4

Sources