Effect of the Dietary Supplement SAMe on Blood Homocysteine Levels

Effect of the Dietary Supplement S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine on Plasma Homocysteine Levels in Healthy Human Subjects

The purpose of this study is to determine if the oral intake of the dietary supplement SAMe increases blood homocysteine levels in healthy human subjects.

S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe or AdoMet) is a commonly used nutritional supplement available in the United States since 1999. SAMe is metabolized to homocysteine, a known cardiovascular risk factor. No study has determined the effect exogenous SAMe administration has on the long-term levels of homocysteine in humans. As a nutritional supplement, SAMe is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, despite being used to treat clinical diseases such as depression and osteoarthritis.

Inclusion criteria:

• Women and men age 18 - 65
• Able to understand and sign a consent form

Exclusion criteria:

• Smoking
• Pregnant or lactating
• Women actively trying to conceive
• Diagnosis of panic disorder or bipolar disorder