Measurement of the S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) content in a range of commercial veterinary SAMe supplements

OBJECTIVES: To measure the percentage of the stated amount of S-adenosyl methionine present in a range of commercially available S-adenosyl methionine supplements for veterinary use. METHOD: Sixty-four samples of products containing S-adenosyl methionine marketed to support liver function were obtained from five manufacturers via three commercial wholesalers. The amount of S-adenosyl methionine in each product was measured using high-pressure liquid chromatography. RESULTS: There were greater than threefold variation in the percentage of measured S-adenosyl methionine compared to the stated amount on the packaging which was significantly (P<0.001) related to the product group being measured. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Differences in received dose of S-adenosyl methionine between different products were marked and this could have a profound influence on studies that evaluate any variation in absorption of S-adenosyl methionine between different product formulations, the effectiveness of S-adenosyl methionine-based products in clinical cases or when translating the results of studies that have used a specific S-adenosyl methionine product to those produced by a different manufacturer.