Supercharged SAM-e: B Vitamins, Folate Increase the Supplement's Effectiveness
By Immuneuspport.com Staff

Whether you take SAM-e to ease depression, restore joint mobility or detoxify your liver, you can help your body utilize SAM-e more effectively with folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12. The key is neutralizing the dangerous amino acid homocysteine.

Homocysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid involved in several important methyl and sulfur transfer reactions, and is actually beneficial in small amounts. When homocysteine levels begin to rise in the body, excessive accumulation of homocysteine in the body fluid compartments is normally prevented by degradation through enzymatic reactions. These two processes have to be functioning for homocysteine to be kept in control and for SAM-e to function in the body. Importantly, these same enzyme reactions cannot occur without proper levels of folate, vitamin B 6 (pyridoxal 5- phosphate), and vitamin B12 (cobalamin). If you take SAM-e to promote better health (lighter mood, comfortable joints and a detoxed liver), you also need adequate levels of B vitamins and folic acid to help SAM-e do its job.

When the body has proper levels of folic acid, Vitamins B6 and B12, the enzymatic break-down of homocysteine occurs either through remethylation, which converts it into methionine, the SAM-e building block; or through transsulfuration, which turns it into glutathione, a powerful antioxidant.

But when those processes become sluggish, the homocysteine levels in the body begin to rise. Large homocysteine levels left unchecked in the body, become an invitation to disease, including heart attack, stroke, cancer, birth defects, depression and perhaps CFS and FM.

A published Swedish study showed results of which demonstrate consistently high homocysteine levels and low concentrations of vitamin B12 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients meeting established clinical criteria for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia.

Those taking SAM-e should be aware that the healthy benefits they experience are not due to SAM-e alone. SAM-e may be the "team leader;" however, folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 are crucial members of the team that contribute to its success. It is only by incorporating the entire team that one can achieve the victory of better health and well-being.