Mood Support
SAM-e
Also known as: S-Adenosyl-L-methionine, Ademetionine
Universal methyl donor supporting mood, joints, and liver. Comparable to antidepressants.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every SAM-e product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nature Made SAM-e Complete 200 mg Tablets | 90 A | $2.07 |
| 2 | Doctor's Best SAM-e, Double-Strength, 400 mg, 60 Enteric Coated Tablets | 81 A- | $0.82 |
| 3 | Doctor's Best SAM-e, 200 mg Per Serving, 60 Enteric Coated Tablets | 81 A- | $0.57 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much SAM-e should I take?
The typical range is 400-1600mg daily. 2-4 weeks for mood effects
When should I take SAM-e?
Morning empty stomach. No.
Which form of SAM-e is best?
Enteric-coated tablet — Required for stability.
Is SAM-e safe?
Commonly reported: GI upset, Anxiety, Insomnia, Headache. Serious warnings: May trigger mania in bipolar, Serotonin syndrome. Liver protective
Which SAM-e supplement scores highest?
Nature Made SAM-e Complete 200 mg Tablets, at 90/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Mood support
- Joint health
- Liver support
- Methylation
How it works
- Major methyl donor
- Supports neurotransmitter synthesis
- Cartilage and liver protection
Dosage
- Typical range
- 400-1600mg daily
- Timing
- Morning empty stomach
- With food
- No
- Duration
- 2-4 weeks for mood effects
- Special populations
- Depression, joints, liver
Forms
- Enteric-coated tablet
Safety
Common side effects
- GI upset
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Headache
Contraindications
- Bipolar
- SSRIs without supervision
Products containing SAM-e
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list SAM-e on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Known interactions
Evidence notes
Strong evidence for depression
Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.
Related in Mood Support
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.