SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine)

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a naturally occurring chemical substance found in the body that is produced constantly by our cells. Although the mechanism by which it acts is not entirely clear, research has shown that it can play a role in fighting depression. Since the 1970s, researchers have published multiple clinical studies, which while small, have shown consistent findings. In 1994 a meta-analysis found that the effectiveness of SAMe in treating depressive syndromes is superior to placebo and comparable to that of standard tricyclic antidepressants. It was concluded that “Since SAMe is a naturally occurring compound with relatively few side-effects, it is a potentially important treatment for depression.” (Bressa, 1994)