Home/Ingredients/SAM-e (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine)
SPECIALTY

SAM-e (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine)

Mood · joints · liver

STRONG EVIDENCEVEGANREAD THE RESEARCH
Written to our editorial standards · reviewed against published research· Updated 5 Jun 2026
Last reviewed: May 30, 2026
QUICK ANSWER

SAM-e: Mood · joints · liver. A methyl donor with strong trial support for low mood and joint comfort, comparable to standard options. Standard dose 400-800 mg, taken in the morning, about $38/month. Evidence rating: strong evidence.

Where to buy

JARROWFORMULASSAM-e 400 mg60 TABLETSDIETARY SUPP.
RECOMMENDED
Jarrow Formulas, SAM-e
400-800 mg · Morning · ~$38/month

suppdoc.io is an affiliate. Links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.

All product options

JARROWFORMULASSAM-e 400 mg60 TABLETSDIETARY SUPP.BESTSELLER
SAM-e 400 mg
Jarrow Formulas
60 tablets · $40 · ★ 4.6
Buy on iHerb →Buy on Amazon →
DOCTOR'SBESTSAM-e 400 mg60 VEG CAPSDIETARY SUPP.BEST VALUE
SAM-e 400 mg
Doctor's Best
60 veg caps · $35 · ★ 4.6
Buy on iHerb →Buy on Amazon →
NOWFOODSSAM-e 400 mg60 TABLETSDIETARY SUPP.PREMIUM
SAM-e 400 mg
NOW Foods
60 tablets · $42 · ★ 4.6
Buy on iHerb →Buy on Amazon →
NATUREMADESAM-e 400 mg36 TABLETSDIETARY SUPP.PREMIUM
SAM-e 400 mg
Nature Made
36 tablets · $30 · ★ 4.5
Buy on iHerb →Buy on Amazon →

What is SAM-e?

SAM-e (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) is a molecule your body makes from methionine and ATP, serving as a universal methyl donor for neurotransmitters, joint cartilage, and liver detox pathways. It has some of the strongest supplement evidence for mood: multiple trials find it works comparably to standard antidepressants for low mood, and it is also well studied for osteoarthritis joint comfort and liver support. It is taken on an empty stomach, usually starting low and building to 400 to 1600 mg daily because higher doses can cause nausea or overstimulation. Do not combine it with antidepressants without medical supervision, given serotonin risk, and avoid it if you have bipolar disorder.

WHY IT MATTERS

A methyl donor with strong trial support for low mood and joint comfort, comparable to standard options.

Best for your goal

Other specialty

Elderberry Extract
Immune support · seasonal
Berberine HCl
Blood sugar · metabolic health · gut
Milk Thistle (Silymarin)
Liver support · antioxidant
ZMA (Zn + Mg + B6)
Sleep · recovery · testosterone (male)

Common questions

What is SAM-e?
SAM-e (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) is a molecule your body makes from methionine and ATP, serving as a universal methyl donor for neurotransmitters, joint cartilage, and liver detox pathways. It has some of the strongest supplement evidence for mood: multiple trials find it works comparably to standard antidepressants for low mood, and it is also well studied for osteoarthritis joint comfort and liver support. It is taken on an empty stomach, usually starting low and building to 400 to 1600 mg daily because higher doses can cause nausea or overstimulation. Do not combine it with antidepressants without medical supervision, given serotonin risk, and avoid it if you have bipolar disorder.
What is SAM-e used for?
Mood · joints · liver. A methyl donor with strong trial support for low mood and joint comfort, comparable to standard options.
What is the standard dose of SAM-e?
400-800 mg, typically taken in the morning. Approximate cost is $38 per month.
Who should avoid SAM-e?
Use extra caution, and speak to a clinician first, if you are taking SSRIs/MAOIs, bipolar disorder.
How strong is the evidence for SAM-e?
Strong evidence for its primary uses. See the full study list on the research page.

Not sure if SAM-e is right for you?

Take our quiz. We'll compose a personalised stack that fits your goals, body, and budget, in minutes.

Take the quiz →