Raj   I respect yur thoroughness and I remember you saying that you read an
article that implied that SAMe was not good for PD.  Haas my memory tricked
me again or do you have a reference that you can share.  Thanks Bob
----- Original Message -----
From: "ask dietitian" <[log in to unmask]>
To: "Ask the Parkinson Dietitian" <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Saturday, July 13, 2002 4:50 PM
Subject: News Bite: Sam-e and Parkinson's


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> What is SAMe?
> In the past few years, there has been increasing interest in a substance
> called S-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe ("sammy") for short. SAMe is a
> molecule present in cells throughout the human body. It contains a group
> of atoms called a "methyl group." It's importance lies in the fact that
> it can donate this methyl group to another molecule, to form a new
> substance, often an enzyme. This donation is called "methylation," and it
> is vitally important to human life. So, SAMe is necessary for good
> health. Supplement  manufacturers claim that it can improve arthritis,
> liver health, depression, and other conditions.
>
> SAMe itself must be manufactured by our bodies, and to do this, the B
> vitamins folate and B12 are needed. When SAMe is used by the body, it
> results in an increased level of "homocysteine" in the blood.
> Homocysteine is a compound that has been associated with cardiovascular
> disease. The body normally uses the vitamins B6, B12, and folate,
> along with more SAMe, to eliminate homocysteine from the blood.
>
> SAMe is an antioxidant, and animal studies have demonstrated that it
> reduced oxidative stress in the brains of rats. Decreased levels of SAMe
> have  been found in persons with a number of diseases, including
> depression
> and Parkinson's disease (PD). Also, people with PD who use levodopa for
> a prolonged time have been found to have increased levels of
> homocysteine in the blood and decreased levels of SAMe in the brain.
> Given this information, researchers would like to know whether
> taking supplements of SAMe could benefit people with depression, PD, and
> other diseases.
>
> In a small study of 13 people who had both PD and depression, study
> subjects were given supplements of SAMe for 30 days. Two subjects dropped
> out of the study. There were no benefits seen on PD symptoms, nor was
> there any reduction in need for levodopa. However, the study
> subjects' depression was improved significantly. Although this study is
> encouraging, it did not contain a control group, and was too small to
> offer strong evidence that SAMe was effective.
>
> Is it safe for people with Parkinson's disease to take SAMe?
> There's no good answer at this time, because no long-term studies have
> been performed. In the studies done so far, there are few reported side
> effects, but no one knows what the long-term effects, if any, might be.
>
> Should you try SAMe?
> People with PD should consult their physician before trying SAMe,
> particularly if using levodopa, tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs, or MAO
> inhibitors.
>
> Some neurologists advise their patients against use of SAMe; it is
> expensive, and there is little research to provide guidance. Other
> neurologists are willing for their patients to give SAMe a try, under
> their supervision. This is especially important for those using levodopa,
> because it's possible that SAMe could interfere with levodopa with
> long-term use. General recommendations range from 200-400 mg per day;
> however, research studies have used as much as 800-3600 mg per day. It may
> take several weeks to see results.
>
> Anecdotally, some people state that they feel better upon taking SAMe, or
> have less depression. Some report an improvement in other symptoms, such
> as constipation. Others find little or no benefit.
>
> The bottom line: It's too soon to make recommendations for or against use
> of SAMe by people with Parkinson's disease. If you would like to try it,
> be aware that it's expensive; and consult your physician first.
>   --Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD
> For this, and other Parkinson Tips of the Day, visit:
> http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/
>
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