With a master’s degree in pharmaceutical chemistry and technology, Lorena Carboni specializes in the scientific and clinical aspects of natural ingredients, focusing on the one-carbon metabolites, including folate (5-MTHF), S-adenosylmethionine, glutathione and salidroside at Gnosis by Lesaffre. Over her 20-plus years in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries, she proactively collaborates with universities and academic panels of experts on educational projects and publications.

Here she explains the benefits of the company’s Adont Premium SAMe ingredient.

Question: What is SAMe? What are the uses for this ingredient?

Answer: S-adenosyl-methionine, or SAMe, has a superpower—it is a generous methyl donor in more than 100 biochemical reactions involving DNA, proteins, lipids and hormones.

A characteristic that enhances SAMe’s abilities is that it crosses the blood-brain barrier and helps to maintain proper neuronal functioning.

Research has revealed that more than 60 percent of people with ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), anxiety and sustained low mood may exhibit a serious methylation imbalance. As a methyl donor, SAMe is a relevant nutrient for helping restore mood balance. In fact, SAMe is one of the most studied functional ingredients for mood and brain health, as well as for joint and liver function.

SAMe is an essential nutrient for promoting and preserving overall health and wellness. Due to its core mechanisms of action, SAMe is clinically proven to benefit brain function and mood support.

Question: What makes Adonat Premium SAMe unique?

Answer: Gnosis by Lesaffre was the first to introduce and commercialize SAMe in the global market and maintains status as the leader in SAMe research, development, innovation and production of this nutrient, branded as Adonat Premium SAMe.

As the market began to expand with other SAMe suppliers, Gnosis executed a comparative quality-driven analysis of different SAMe ingredients on the market. It confirmed Adonat Premium SAMe’s superior quality profile, supporting consumers with efficient and safe supplements that meet their health and wellness needs and expectations.

Question: What does the science say about the effectiveness of SAMe?

Answer: As a primary neuro-nutrient, SAMe supports neurotransmission, neuroprotection and neuroplasticity.

Neurotransmission: SAMe facilitates cell communication by synthesizing and regulating several key neurotransmitters — serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. This results in SAMe’s ability to regulate mood balance, response to stimuli, attention and cognitive function.

Neuroprotection: Through its contribution to the trans-sulfuration pathway, SAMe is essential for producing antioxidants, including glutathione, which is the major antioxidant in the brain. Adequate response to oxidative stress enables avoidance and mitigation of oxidative damage that may result in mood imbalance and anxiety, as well as the onset and aggravation of cognitive decline.

Neuroplasticity: SAMe ensures proper methylation of phospholipids, which are a critical component of cell membranes. Phospholipids also play a role in membrane dynamic functions, necessary for maintaining healthy neuronal structure and function, effective neurotransmission and adaptation to a changing environment.

Through methylation, SAMe regulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene expression. BDNF is associated with synaptic plasticity and connectivity formation, and neuronal survival. It plays a vital role in learning and memory.

Gnosis’ Adonat Premium SAMe also protects brain function and promotes cognitive abilities. Adonat is shown to help sustain cognitive function in three ways:

1. Sustains adequate levels of phosphatidylcholine, which supports memory, learning and attention.

2. Fights free radicals by producing glutathione and promoting antioxidant release.

3. Modulates homocysteine levels, a recognized risk factor for cognitive decline.

A final benefit is the growing demand among younger adults for a healthy outlook, disposition and mood. Mood support, so intertwined with cognitive and neuronal function, is also supported by SAMe.

SAMe acts as a major methyl donor for the hydroxylation of tyrosine (precursor of norepinephrine and dopamine), and tryptophan (precursor of serotonin), which is required for synthesizing essential mood-related neurotransmitters.

Via the transmethylation pathway, SAMe is also involved in the methylation of DNA, RNA and histones, regulating genes associated with inflammation and methylation of cell-membrane-bound phosphatidylethanolamines, modulating the reuptake and re-release of neurotransmitters (notably serotonin).

Question: What should retailers keep in mind when selecting SAMe products for their store?

Answer: According to market research, the top three areas of concern in the overall mental- and brain-health category are memory enhancement (27 percent), attention and focus (22 percent), and depression and mood (20 percent). Supplementation with SAMe positively impacts all three areas. Adonat Premium SAMe combines state-of-the-art industrial manufacturing, relentless innovation and innovative oral dosage forms. It is a trusted ingredient used in many quality dietary supplements, with more to come.

Retailers should also be aware that a newer area of research is considering SAMe’s potential for supporting energy and stamina, as well as healthy aging and longevity, which is integrally linked to epigenetics.