SAMe

Methylation is a critical chemical process in the human body. It is responsible for genetic expression, activating folate, metabolizing homocysteine, and many more vital biochemical functions. Methylation involves transferring a tiny molecule called a methyl group (CH3) to another molecule. The addition of a methyl group essentially ‘activates’ the receiving molecule by changing its shape. A common example of methylation is the addition of a methyl group to folate. This converts folate into its active form known as 5-MTHF (methylfolate).

The body’s main methyl donor is SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine). SAMe travels around the body, donating methyl groups to molecules in need. Once activated, these molecules can now perform their jobs of keeping our body systems running smoothly. Because so many compounds and processes in your body depend upon methyl groups and methylation, SAMe is known to support many areas of health, including sleep, mood, joints, and histamine sensitivity.^†

It is important to realize that 80% of all methylation in the human body is used to make two important compounds: creatine and phosphatidylcholine.^†

• When one carbon is passed from SAMe to guanidinoacetate, creatine is made. Creatine is an essential component for maintaining optimal energy levels in muscle and brain tissues.^†


• When three carbons are passed from SAMe to phosphatidylethanolamine and its metabolites, phosphatidylcholine is made. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) is the primary component found in cell membranes. It is also a vital constituent of bile. Without it, cells would fall apart, digestion would be challenged, and many environmental toxins could not be excreted via the bile.^†

While 80% of all methylation in the human body is used to make creatine and PC, there are hundreds of other processes that rely on SAMe donating its methyl groups, including DNA expression. The addition of methyl groups tells your DNA how and where to function.^†

Methyl groups also bind toxins and excess estrogen. This facilitates their excretion from the body. The addition of methyl groups to N-acetylserotonin produces melatonin. The number of ways that methylation controls your biochemistry is too long to list.

The primary source of methyl groups in your body is SAMe. SAMe is derived from the amino acid methionine. With the help of numerous enzymes and cofactor nutrients (including magnesium, folate, B12, and riboflavin), methionine can be recycled to make SAMe once again. This entire process of methionine becoming SAMe and being recycled back to methionine is often called methylation or the methylation cycle. However, certain conditions, or blocks in the methylation cycle, can reduce the amount of SAMe your body is able to synthesize.^†

Many people have genetic variations that slow down their methylation enzymes. Research indicates that over 50% of the population has an MTHFR genetic mutation.Your MTHFR gene and enzymes play a vital role in keeping your methylation cycle running smoothly. Others may be deficient in any one of the cofactor nutrients required to synthesize SAMe. In either case, SAMe production can become diminished.

By supplementing with SAMe, you can support your body’s own production of this critical methyl donor. SAMe by Seeking Health supports the health and function of:^†

• Mood: SAMe is required for the synthesis of mood-related neurotransmitters and is a powerful nutritional method of supporting healthy mood and emotional well-being.^†
• Joints: SAMe helps to incorporate sulfate groups into proteoglycans which help to maintain cartilage and support joints.^†
• Liver: SAMe controls many vital hepatic functions. Liver function may be less than optimal when liver cells do not have adequate nutrients. When nutrient levels return to normal, healthy liver function is supported. By providing adequate levels of nutrition, SAMe assists in supporting liver health.^†
• Histamine: The primary enzyme used to metabolize excessive histamine is called the Histamine N-methyltransferase (HNMT) enzyme. It relies on SAMe to pass a methyl group onto histamine. This changes histamine’s shape to support a healthy histamine response in the body.^†
• COMT: SAMe is a cofactor for the COMT enzyme. Without adequate SAMe (as well as magnesium), your COMT enzyme cannot properly process dopamine and estrogens. Excess dopamine can lead to nervous feelings and irritability. Excess estrogens may cause cell damage. Providing your COMT enzyme with SAMe can support feelings of well-being and calm. It can also support healthy estrogen metabolite levels in your body.^†

SAMe by Seeking Health provides 250 mg of S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) per vegetarian-friendly capsule. To protect this vulnerable nutrient from being destroyed by stomach acid, SAMe has been encapsulated in acid-resistant capsules. The capsules are contained in a desiccated bottle to optimize their stability and prevent degradation from air and moisture. Experience the endless beneficial effects of SAMe today with SAMe capsules by Seeking Health.^†