Adenosylmethionine: what we need to know

Adenosylmethionine is a compound that is already present in the body which favours the methylation process and hence a multitude of positive enzyme processes for the body. Our supply tends to decrease with age so it has been and is commonly recommended for "elderly" patients with joint problems, since it critically intervenes in the synthesis of the connective tissue, calming the joint/arthritic pain, thus promoting cartilage mobility that is affected by degeneration. Another great function is found in the promotion of the liver synthesis of glutathione, the king of antioxidants. It stimulates the detoxification of the liver, not only aiding the glutathione but also through other synergic pathways (phosphatidylcholine and l-cysteine ??synthesis) and its regeneration. It has also been used in the treatment of liver cirrhosis.
The main function that has been highlighted is that SAM-e has been defined as a natural antidepressant. It is a potent mood enhancer with no side effects due to the fact that it simultaneously increases the level of several defective neurotransmitters (see dopamine and serotonin) in patients treated for depression, but also in people undergoing particular phases of psychophysical stress that can really benefit from it (its fame originates from here). Lately, I have also noted further recognitions regarding the way SAM-e positively intervenes in mechanisms owing to ageing by protecting the desoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from methylation.