Brain Vitamins
Brain Nutrition for Cognitive Health – SAMe
There are many brain vitamins on the market today. Research has shown that nutritional supplementation is beneficial for conditions ranging from simple depression to Alzheimer’s disease. Here we look specifically at how S-Adenosyl methionine or SAMe benefits our brains.
S-Adenosyl methionine, also known as SAM-e of just SAM, is involved in reactions that occur throughout the body. It is produced in the liver through a complicated process involving ATP, various enzymes and the amino acid methionine. Apparently the complicated process does not always work optimally.
When a nutrient or compound is produced by the body, it is not normally necessary to consume it. Scientists usually refer to the nutrients as non-essential. SAM is not something that is present in foods. There is no recommended daily allowance for the nutrient, but scientists have found that many people have lower than normal levels of the compound in their blood and the brain’s fluids.
In fact, very low levels of SAM have been found in the brains of all Alzheimer’s patients tested. The hope is that brain supplements may help prevent Alzheimer’s and the mental deterioration that accompanies it.
How Does SAMe Benefit the Brain?
Research indicates that SAMe benefits people suffering from Alzheimer’s and it may help prevent the disease. Preliminary research has shown that it helps to prevent oxidative damage, what is often referred to as free radical damage. Free radical damage to the neurons and neurotransmitters is believed to be the cause of age-related memory loss and mental decline.
In Europe, S-Adenosyl methionine is a prescription drug used to treat depression, liver disease and arthritis. In the US, it is a dietary supplement. No prescription is required to purchase it.
The main problem with the supplement is that it must be well designed, because it is unstable and not well-absorbed. In order to get the SAMe benefits, you will need a supplement with an enteric coating to protect it from stomach acid.
If it is exposed to stomach acid, it will be broken down into the individual components instead of being absorbed through the intestinal wall. Once through the intestinal wall, it can enter the bloodstream and eventually find its way to the blood-brain barrier. It must be able to pass through the barrier in order to be beneficial.
Passing the blood-brain barrier is a problem for most brain supplements. The better manufacturers use special techniques to ensure their customers get the most benefit from the nutrients.
If you are interested in the SAMe benefits, you can take a single-ingredient supplement or a multi-nutritional supplement. The multi-nutritional option is the best choice for many reasons. You may not really need specialty brain supplements if you take a good multi-nutritional one on a daily basis.
Brain Vitamins Featured Product
After many years of reseaching and using nutritional supplements, we believe the supplements made by New Zealand based Xtend Life natural products to be some of the highest quality products on the market.
Their multivitamin formula, Total Balance contains many brain boosting nutrients confirmed by research, such as SAMe, Bacopa extract, ginkgo biloba, green tea and many more – over 75 powerful vitamins, herbs and nutrients which work together to support optimal health and specifically brain health.
Wishing You Good Health – The Editors
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