WHAT IS SAMe?
SAMe, or S-Adenosyl-Methionine, is a naturally occurring substance found in all living beings. An exogenous (produced outside of the body) form of SAMe was developed in Italy in the 1970’s.
HOW SAMe WORKS
SAMe in its biological form contributes to better pet health through a number of chemical processes: transmethylation, trassulfuration, and aminopropylation. These processes can affect liver and joint health in animals.
SAMe AND LIVER HEALTH
During the process of transmethylation, natural SAMe acts as a valuable compound which increase phospholipid production and promotes better bile flow through the liver’s cell membranes.
Through the process of transsulfuration, natural SAMe is converted into a compound called glutathione, a potent antioxidant and liver detoxification tool. This process is critical because the liver itself works to detoxify the pet’s body, and is therefore at a greater risk of accumulating harmful chemicals. Glutathione plays a major role in protecting hepatocytes (liver cells) from damage that can be caused by waste products that the liver removed from the blood stream.
Normally, the liver produces SAMe from the amino acid methionine, which is present in pet food. However, for various reasons (i.e., age, or insufficient diet) the liver may not produce enough SAMe on its own, and supplementation may be beneficial.
SAMe AND JOINT HEALTH
Naturally occurring SAMe plays a critical role in joint health. During the aminopropylation process, methylthioadenosine (MTA) is produced. MTA helps support cartilage matrix production in the joints, and may help maintain the effectiveness of proteoglycans, molecules that are critical for the lubrication of joints. Consequently, SAMe supplements are often recommended to maintain healthy joints in pets.
SAMe SUPPLEMENTATION
Adequate levels of SAMe are usually produced naturally by the animal’s body. However, in instances where a pet’s body is not producing enough SAMe, supplementation via an exogenous form may be beneficial.
SAFETY
SAMe has been proven to be very safe, and there are usually no side effects if it is given correctly. Vomiting may occur in rare instances. Consult your veterinarian if you notice any changes in your pet’s condition or behavior.
STORAGE
SAMe should be protected from heat, humidity and moisture (i.e., do not store in the bathroom). Do not remove the tablet from the blister pack until you are ready to administer it to your pet. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
Directions for use:
Give 10mg of SAMe for every pound of body weight daily.
(Pet in pounds x 10 = milligrams SAMe per day)
Note: You may use any combination of tablet size to achieve the most accurate dose.
Example: Pet weight: 25 lbs. x 10 = 250mg SAMe per day. You may give one 200mg tablet and one 50mg tablet to achieve a total dose of 250mg.
Instructions:
For maximum absorption, SAMe should be given on an empty stomach. (Optimal times are first thing in the morning, one hour before a meal, or three hours after a meal.) Do not break the tablets. If swallowing is a concern, pet owners may conceal the tablet in small pieces of moist food.
Trouble swallowing may cause throat irritation in pets. Therefore, give your pet water after administering SAMe tablets to help your pet swallow.
If you miss a dose, administer the dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the regular schedule. Do not give a double dose.
Dosage may be gradually decreased or increased as symptoms improve or as recommended by your veterinarian.
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