SAM is beneficial for a variety of liver disorders because of its ability to promote bile flow and relieve cholestasis. It
has been used successfully in cirrhosis, Gilbert’s Syndrome, and oral contraceptive induced liver damage. Its
benefits are directly at ributable to its role as a major methyl donor in the liver (detoxification process) and its
lipotropic
activity
(transporting
fat
out
of
the
liver).
In Gilbert’s Syndrome SAM at a dosage of 400 mg, three times daily has resulted in a significant decrease in serum
bilirubin. In liver cirrhosis it has been shown to improve cell membrane function, improve bile flow and increase
levels of glutathione; possibly the most important liver antioxidant and detoxification agent. Animal studies provide
evidence of protection against liver cancers from SAM supplementation in animals exposed to liver carcinogens.28-
38
In alcoholic cirrhosis, damage to the liver prevents the natural formation of SAM from the amino acid methionine.
In a double-blind study, individuals with alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver who took SAM supplementation for two
years had a 47% lower rate of death or need for liver transplantation, compared with those receiving the placebo.
In patients with less severe cirrhosis, the results were even more impressive.39