The protected one
Enteric-coated SAMe tablets
A coating shields it from stomach acid. The type used in most studies.
Good for: Mood · Achy joints
What variations of SAMe exist?
A compound your body makes from methionine and uses in many reactions, including making brain chemicals. It's used for mood, joint pain, and the liver. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
Medical Disclaimer
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
Every form, in plain words
The protected one
Enteric-coated SAMe tablets
A coating shields it from stomach acid. The type used in most studies.
Good for: Mood · Achy joints
The make-your-own one
Methylation blends (folate, B12, B6)
Help your body make its own SAMe instead of giving it to you directly.
Usually skip
- The fragile one (Uncoated SAMe)Breaks down easily in stomach acid and when it gets damp.
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'Enteric-coated SAMe tablets' on the label (the protected one)
Watch out for
- Tablets loose in a bottle instead of sealed blister packs, since SAMe breaks down with moisture
- Labels that don't say how much active SAMe each tablet gives
Check with your provider first if…
- You have bipolar disorder. SAMe can trigger mania.
- You take an antidepressant (such as sertraline or fluoxetine), a migraine triptan, tramadol, or another medicine that raises serotonin. Together they can cause serotonin syndrome.
- You take levodopa for Parkinson's. SAMe may make it work less well.
- You're having surgery soon. Stop it at least 2 weeks before.
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- Nausea, an upset stomach, or feeling jittery are the most common side effects
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.