Do I Need A Prescription for SAM-E?

Question

I have a couple questions for people who have used SAM-E:

-In Canada, would you need a prescription?
-Where can I find it?
-I heard that it is a good idea to take vitamin B with it, is that true?
-About what would it cost in Canada?

Thanks in advance for your answers!

Answer 1

SAM-e is used for 'methylation' reactions in the body's biochemical pathways. In the process it is converted to homocysteine (Hcy).

Hcy is toxic at high levels and must be converted by the body back into methionine or metabolized to become cysteine. These two biochemical pathways for eliminating Hcy require several of the B-vitamins (B2, B3, B6, B12 and folate) - zinc and choline/betaine are also required). Consequently, if you take SAM-e it is a very good idea to supplement with these vitamins. It would also be wise to monitor your homocysteine levels in your blood.

SAM-e is available over the counter in the U.S. Unfortunately, I do not know if this is the case in Canada.

Best wishes and good luck.