SAM-e and Fibromyalgia

SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine ) has been advocated to clear the fibro fog. What’s in it? Not much. If you look for studies that are published and mentioned in PubMed you’ll find six papers on this topic.

In fact, a study from 1991 comes to the conclusion: “S-adenosylmethionine has some beneficial effects on primary fibromyalgia and could be an important option in the treatment hereof.” But at the same time the authors tell us: “The tender point score, isokinetic muscle strength, mood evaluated by Beck Depression Inventory and side effects did not differ in the two treatment groups.” Link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1925418.

H.Volkmann and colleagues published the following study in 1997: “Double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study of intravenous S-adenosyl-L-methionine in patients with fibromyalgia.” They found: “There was no significant difference in improvement in the primary outcome: tender point change between the two treatment groups.” They concluded: “No effect of SAMe in patients with FM was found in this short term study.” Link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9225876.

C.W. Fetrow and J.R. Avila published a paper in 2001 under the title: “Efficacy of the dietary supplement S-adenosyl-L-methionine.” The come to an alarming conclusion: “Consumers should be instructed to avoid unmonitored consumption of this dietary supplement until sufficient discussion has taken place with their primary healthcare provider. Although there exists significant potential for therapeutic application of SAMe, its uncertain risk profile precludes definitive recommendation at this time. Healthcare providers and consumers should likely temper their enthusiasm for this dietary supplement until sufficient information becomes available.” Link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11724095.

All in all there’s no scientific proof that SAM-e is doing good in Fibromyalgia. In fact, there have been warning voices.

If you look, how much money you could waste … for some preparations you pay 90 € per month. Maybe you have better use for this money like a relief fund for kids.