SAMe was introduced to the market in the late 90s. It immediately became popular for mood enhancement, joint health, and liver health.
SAMe occurs naturally in the body, but levels decline as we age. That means a supplement can help keep levels where they should be.
This guide will review the best SAMe supplements on the market. Let’s get going!
In a Hurry? Here is our top pick:
No products found.
Best SAMe Supplements
- NasaBe’Ahava Pure SAMe – Best Overall
- Combat V SAMe 500mg – Best Labeling
- Nutricost SAMe – Best Value
- The Genius Brand Genius Joy – Best Mood Enhancer
- Pure Encapsulations SAMe – Best For Vegans
- Simply Potent SAMe – Best Potency
- ExtremeV Azendus SAMe – Best Cognitive Support
- Metabolic Maintenance SAMe Plus Cofactors – Best Formula
- NuScience Corporation Cellfood® SAMe Liquid Formula+ – Best Liquid Formula
- Designs for Health SAMe – Best Absorption
Reviews – The best SAMe Supplements
NasaBe’Ahava Pure SAMe – Best Overall
No products found.
Here’s our pick for the best overall SAMe supplement. NasaBe’Ahava Pure SAMe contains 500mg of pure SAMe powder per capsule. This brand also carries a 1500mg version. The only difference between the two is the serving size.
It’s three capsules per serving instead of one capsule. Regardless of strength, NasaBe’Ahava recommends taking their SAMe with food. This aids in digestion and absorption of the SAMe.
NasaBe’Ahava contains no artificial ingredients and only contains a few other ingredients. The capsule used for this product is a vegetable capsule. Pure SAMe is gluten-free, and non-GMO. Finally, it’s made in a GMP-certified facility. This ensures high manufacturing standards.
PROS
- 500mg Pure SAMe Per Capsule – Standardized To 20%
- There Are No Artificial Ingredients
- GMP-Certified
CONS
- Some Users Don’t Like The Odor
Combat V SAMe 500mg – Best Labeling
No products found.
Combat V SAMe 500mg displays all the benefits of SAMe. In general, SAMe supports mood, joint health, and liver health. Many brands market a different package for each function. Yet it’s the same product. None of the different packages use additional ingredients. At most, the dosage might vary. Some users may find all these choices confusing. After all, you might think the different products are different formulas.
Combat V SAMe 500mg lists the benefits of SAMe on the back of the box. There’s one product for all the benefits. They offer different potencies of the same product only. This makes it easy to understand the product. SAMe has three primary functions. There’s no reason to offer three different container designs.
Combat V SAMe 500mg contains zero artificial ingredients. Combat V uses enteric-coated tablets. This means it’s easy on your stomach. It also means there are more ingredients required to make the tablet. Still, this is an effective, well-dosed product that uses clear labeling.
PROS
- 500mg Per Enteric Coated Tablet
- No Artificial Ingredients
- One Product For The Three Main Benefits – Some Brands Sell The Same Product Using Different Labels For Each Benefit
CONS
- There’s A Lot Of “Other Ingredients”
Nutricost SAMe – Best Value
No products found.
Here’s our pick for the best value. Nutricost SAMe comes in a 120 capsule container. It’s dosed at 400mg per two capsules. This makes it very cost-conscious when compared to other brands. Nutricost SAMe is non-GMO and free of gluten.
Like all Nutricost products, SAMe is 3rd party tested for potency, purity, and quality. Plus, this is a quality assured, vegetarian product. Finally, Nutricost uses a GMP-compliant facility for SAMe and all its products.
PROS
- 400mg Per Two Capsules
- 60 Servings Per Container
- 3rd Party Tested
CONS
- The Capsules Are Too Large For Some Users To Swallow
The Genius Brand Genius Joy – Best Mood Enhancer
No products found.
You’ll find SAMe occasionally in a benefit-specific formula. In this case, the benefit is cognitive, and the formula is Genius Joy. This makes sense. We know that a primary benefit of SAMe is mood elevation. Genius Joy is a complete nootropic formula designed to elevate mood and relieve stress. One 4 veggie cap serving supplies 1000mg of SAMe.
This formula also includes several B vitamins, tyrosine, rhodiola, ginseng, and caffeine. Even though SAMe has other benefits, this is a specialized nootropic. Genius Joy features several branded ingredients and contains zero artificial ingredients.
PROS
- 1000mg SAMe Per Serving
- Comprehensive Nootropic Formula
- Branded Ingredients – Open-Label – There’s Nothing Artificial
CONS
- Not For Value-Minded Users
Pure Encapsulations SAMe – Best For Vegans
No products found.
Here’s our pick for the best vegan SAMe supplement. Pure Encapsulations SAMe supplies 200mg per capsule. This means the dose is flexible and you can adjust it to your needs.
This product is vegan, vegetarian, certified gluten-free, and non-GMO. Also, there are no artificial ingredients. Pure Encapsulations is the most-suggested brand by healthcare professionals.
As noted, some SAMe formulas focus on one benefit. Yet SAMe promotes all of its benefits regardless of how it’s marketed. This is one of the products that advertise all the benefits of SAMe in one formula.
PROS
- Ideal For Vegan Users
- 200mg Per Capsule
- Extremely Pure Formula
CONS
- Some Users Feel Shipping Is Too Slow
Simply Potent SAMe – Best Potency
No products found.
At 1000mg per serving, this is the most potent SAMe available. One serving is only two capsules. Simply Potent SAMe provides pure SAMe. Only a few ingredients make up this product. It’s non-GMO, gluten-free, and 3rd party tested.
This type of testing covers purity, potency, and quality. Plus, this product is GMP-compliant and produced in an FDA inspected facility.
Simply Potent SAMe is another product that advertises all the uses of SAMe. Still, there is one thing this company does that’s different. They suggest product combinations for specific purposes. For example, SAMe and adrenal support, SAMe and ginseng, or SAMe and melatonin. This is an approach that covers different health benefits. It’s an approach some users may want to consider.
PROS
- Potent 1,000mg Per Serving
- Manufactured In An FDA-Approved Facility
- 3rd Party Tested – GMP-Compliant
CONS
- Some Users Don’t Like The Odor
ExtremeV Azendus SAMe – Best Cognitive Support
No products found.
Here’s a brand that markets color-specific packages of SAMe for each benefit. For example, the purple packaging is for cognitive support. ExtremeV Azendus SAMe provides 400mg per one tablet. That’s a good dose for this benefit. The container for joint support is orange.
The main difference between different products will be strength and quantity. Some versions are 200mg or 500mg. All versions are available in 30 or 60 tablet sizes. The tablets are enteric-coated, plant-based, and contain no artificial ingredients. Finally, ExtremeV Azendus SAMe is HPLC tested.
PROS
- 400mg SAMe Per Tablet
- Designed For Cognitive Support
- HPLC Tested
CONS
- The Tablets May Be Too Large For Some Users
Metabolic Maintenance SAMe Plus Cofactors – Best Formula
No products found.
This is a SAMe formula with several co-factors included. Metabolic Maintenance SAMe Plus Cofactors improve the absorption and effectiveness of SAMe. Plus, this product is in capsule form.
That’s because the ingredients that go into tablets interfere with the functions of SAMe. This product contains extra ingredients that support the functions of SAMe. These cofactors include B vitamins plus the minerals calcium and magnesium.
Also, SAMe Plus Cofactors does not contain fillers or artificial ingredients. Plus, it comes in BPA-free containers that block sunlight. Finally, Metabolic Maintenance supplements have been the choice of doctors since 1984.
PROS
- Provides A Complete Formula
- The Cofactors Improve SAMe Function
- Comes In Veggie Capsules
CONS
- Some Users May Find The Capsules Are Too Big
NuScience Corporation Cellfood® SAMe Liquid Formula+ – Best Liquid Formula
No products found.
Here’s one of the very few liquid versions of SAMe. NuScience Corporation Cellfood® SAMe Liquid Formula+ supplies 72mg per 20 drops. Cellfood® is a fast-absorbing, concentrated dose of SAMe. This formula also includes the Cellfood delivery system for improved absorption. The exclusive liquid delivery system allows the use of smaller dosages. That’s why the dose is only 72mg. That’s compared to at least 200mg for pill versions.
NuScience Corporation Cellfood® products are GMP-certified. NuScience manufactures these products in an FDA-compliant facility. This is an unflavored product. You can take it alone or mixed with juice. Plus, it’s an ideal choice for anyone that does not like swallowing pills.
PROS
- Exclusive Liquid Formula
- Superior Absorption And Assimilation
- GMP-Certified
CONS
- Some Users Feel It Has A Sour Taste
Designs for Health SAMe – Best Absorption
No products found.
Here’s a SAMe that uses patented capsule technology. Designs for Health SAMe veggie Here’s a SAMe that uses patented capsule technology. Designs for Health SAMe veggie capsules protect the SAMe from air and moisture. These capsules protect the SAMe from stomach acid. This allows the capsule to absorb into the intestines.
One serving provides 200mg SAMe. There’s also folic acid, vitamin B6, and B12. These aid absorption. Also, Designs for Health uses tinted bottles to protect the nutrients from sunlight. These eco-conscious containers also protect nutrients from oxygen and moisture. Finally, Designs for Health SAMe is gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegetarian friendly.
PROS
- Designed For Complete Absorption
- Features Co-Factors That Aid Absorption
- Patented Capsule Design Is Not Destroyed By Stomach Acid
CONS
- Not For Value-Minded Users
Buying Guide – How To Choose The Best SAMe Supplement?
What Is SAMe?
First discovered in the 1950s, S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) is a compound found naturally in the body. It consists of methionine, an amino acid, bound to an ATP molecule. SAMe is involved in the production and regulation of hormones in the body. Also, it’s involved in the maintenance of cell membranes. As a supplement, SAMe is synthetic. (1)
The Benefits Of SAMe
SAMe provides the following benefits:
- Eases Depression And Improves Mood – SAMe has a long history of medicinal use in Europe. It helps ease depression and enhance mood. It’s believed to be part of neurotransmitter synthesis in the brain. (2, 3)
- Supports Joint Health – SAMe can help relieve joint pain and inflammation. It may also support cartilage repair. Studies have suggested that SAMe is beneficial for various types of joint pain. This includes arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, and chronic back pain. SAMe will take longer than prescription medication to work. This is true of any supplements. For this reason, it’s always wise to give supplements enough time to work. (2,3)
- Promotes Liver Health And Function – SAMe stimulates the production of glutathione production in the liver. This compound is a powerful antioxidant. It plays an important role in fighting free radicals and detoxifying the cells. SAMe provides the component required for the liver to synthesize glutathione. The liver naturally produces a large amount of SAMe. As noted, production decreases as we get older. Taking a supplement replenishes SAMe in the body. (2,3)
What To Consider When Looking For A SAMe Supplement
Quality
Look for brands with a Seal of Quality. For example, Nutricost SAMe is 3rd party tested for quality. Our best overall, NasaBe’Ahava Pure SAMe, is GMP-certified. Seals of Quality ensure you’re getting the best possible product. An image of these seals is always displayed on the label.
No Artificial Ingredients
This goes hand in hand with quality. There should be no artificial ingredients of any kind in a SAMe you’re considering. Some SAMe supplements, such as Pure Encapsulations SAMe, are vegan. Others, like NasaBe’Ahava Pure SAMe, our best overall, consist of only a few ingredients.
Capsules, Tablets, Or Liquid
Most SAMe supplements are available in either capsules or tablets. A few liquid versions are also available. A good example is NuScience Corporation Cellfood® Liquid SAMe Formula+. In terms of digestion and absorption, capsules and liquid are the best choice. If you take a hard tablet, take it with food to aid digestion. Also, if you have a hard time swallowing tablets or capsules, use a liquid.
Potency
SAMe can range from 200mg to 500mg per capsule or tablet. The only liquid in this guide, Cellfood® SAMe Formula+, provides 72mg. The dosage is this low because of the absorption system. This special delivery system allows smaller amounts to be used. The effectiveness is the same as larger amounts.
How To Use SAMe
Of course, follow all label recommendations. The recommended dose ranges from 200mg to 1000mg per day. Pure Encapsulations SAMe provides 200mg. Simply Potent SAMe provides 1000mg per serving. You’ll have to take more than one capsule to get the higher dosage. This means you have the option to start with a lower dose. You can then work up to the full dose over several days to a week.
Conclusion
NasaBe’Ahava Pure SAMe provides 500mg SAMe per capsule. This product is GMP-compliant and manufactured in an FDA-approved facility. There’s only a few ingredients, with nothing artificial.
Are you looking for a good value? Nutricost SAMe provides 400mg per two capsules and 120 capsules per container. This formula is 3rd party tested for purity, potency, and quality.
Finally, are you looking for a function-specific formula? If mood enhancement is your focus, Genius Joy is the choice for you. This product is a complete cognitive formula with 1,000mg SAMe. This formula includes rhodiola, caffeine, ginseng, and tyrosine. Plus, there’s six B vitamins.
SAMe can make a big difference in mood, liver health, and joint function. Use this guide to find the best SAME supplement for you!
References:
