Cutting
Edge Compounds -- SAM, Where Are You?
G.
Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN
Volume
13, number 5, 2/27/95, page 35
I discuss this novel compound, S-adenosyl-L-methionine, well before
it hit the market and call out to the supplement industry to make
it available to the public (which occurred a few years later).
SAM, a.k.a. S adenosyl methionine, a.k.a. active methionine, is
a metabolic intermediate of the sulfur-containing amino acid methionine.
In this form, SAM is the main source for methyl groups to be donated
for a host of cellular biochemical reactions. Although you may not
have heard of SAM, I am optimistic that many DCs will soon have
another powerful nutritional weapon for the neuromusculoskeletal
system.
SAM is anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, analgesic, and stimulates
articular chondrocytes to produce proteoglycans. SAM is absorbed
orally. SAM is normally dosed at 400 mg three times per day. In
studies against nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories for the treatment
of osteo-arthritis of the hip and knee in humans, SAM (1) increased
pain-free range of motion; (2) decreased night pain; and (3) decreased
muscle spasms (in other words, osteoarthritic patients who took
SAM got better results than the patients who took NSAIDs). I am
still researching SAM and will provide references and more information
in upcoming articles. It is definitely the most exciting compound
since glucosamine for those of us who treat neuromusculoskeletal
conditions.
Attention Nutrition Companies
I hope some of the many companies that cater to chiropractors' nutritional
needs answer my question and show us all where we can find SAM.
I would like to see SAM in 400 mg capsules alone and in encapsulated
combination formulas with other complementary nutrients such as
glucosamine sulfate, zinc, copper, manganese, B6, vitamin C, and
bioflavonoids. I hope by the end of this year all chiropractors
will have access to SAM.
916
E. Imperial Hwy.
Brea, CA. 92821
(714) 990-0824
Fax:
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gdandersen@earthlink.net
www.andersenchiro.com
Copyright
2004, G. Douglas Andersen, DC, DACBSP, CCN, 916 E. Imperial Hwy,
Brea, CA 92821, (714) 990-0824
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