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S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) is a naturally occurring agent in the human body and is manufactured synthetically as a supplement.

Medicinal Claims: SAMe is said to be effective in treating depression, osteoarthritis, and liver disorders, but scientific studies so far do not confirm this claim. More research is needed to verify its effectiveness.

Possible Side Effects: No serious side effects have been reported. People with a bipolar disorder should not use SAMe because it can cause manic episodes.

Last full review/revision February 2009 by Ara DerMarderosian, PhD