The Effects of Same

Are there potential side effects of SAMe?

Yes, the case study lists the potential side effects of SAMe which include heart disease and stroke due to high levels of homocysteine in people who are lacking B vitamins and folic acid.

Further research indicates that though SAMe is likely safe, other side effects include gas, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, headache, mild insomnia, anorexia, sweating, dizziness, and nervousness, especially at higher doses. It can make some people with depression feel anxious (WebMD). Through the SAMe cycle, the production of SAH can cause cancer and neurodegenerative diseases (Cayman Chemical).

Can those side effects be mitigated?

Yes, with B vitamins and folic acid in the body, the body can convert the homocysteine back into SAMe or a powerful antioxidant called glutathione.

Are the side effects from SAMe itself, of a by-product of metabolism?

The side effects are a by-product of the metabolism because the side effects can be mitigated by naturally occurring chemical reactions and conversions in the body involving B vitamins and folic acid. The SAMe merely gives up a methyl group to become SAH which is then converted into the cause of the heart attacks and strokes, homocysteine. Therefore, signaling that it is a metabolism by-product that can be naturally taken care of in the last step of the SAMe cycle.

What is it about SAMe that makes it work?

As previously stated, SAMe gives up a methyl group to form SAH. The methyl group undergoes methylation, necessary for proper cell function, with other molecules. Methylation is necessary to produce the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin that help prevent depression.

Define and describe anything that you find you don't understand. (i.e. homocysteine, ATP, methylation...)

I do know from taking AP Chemistry that methylation is when a molecule replaces a hydrogen atom with a methyl group, CH3. I do not understand how Methylation is necessary for proper cell...