Posted by JohnL on June 16, 1999, at 4:34:05
In reply to SAM-e, posted by Daniel Sullivan on June 16, 1999, at 1:14:45
> I just read about this European supplement in the LA Times (6/14). This non-prescription "dietary supplement" has been used in Europe for decades for depression and arthritis. Since I have myriad problems with AD side effects, and this claims to have practically none, I'm wondering about the efficacy.
Daniel, there is a net site called Life Extension. Try finding it. Once there, poke around, you'll stumble onto a whole page of all the clinical research studies on SAMe. It looks quite impressive. Be warned though, most studies used upper doses in the 1200-1600mg range. The pills are 200mg and the cheapest I've found are about $1 each. So 1600mg is $8 a day, or $240+ a month. I tried it for a few weeks. I would expect something that expensive to be real good. In reality, it wasn't much different than taking a vitamin. No side effects, no noticeable benefit. Instructions are confusing too. One manufacturer says to take it with a high carbohydrate meal, another says it works best on an empty stomach. Who's right? I've heard comments that SAMe from one brand works, while another doesn't, and vice versa. But you know, you'll never know how it works with you till you try. Regardless of my neutral response to it, the research does look impressive. To give it a fair trial though, with a high dose and sufficient duration, be prepared to spend about $300+. Hope this helps, and best wishes to you. JohnL
poster:JohnL
thread:7442
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990601/msgs/7446.html