How does S-adenosylmethionine work?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    S-Adenosylmethionine plays a key role in regulating biological processes by transferring methyl and other groups to proteins, lipids, DNA, and other molecules in enzymatic reactions. Low levels of S-adenosylmethionine are associated with conditions such as liver disease, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. Although supplementation may help restore levels, evidence for its therapeutic effectiveness remains limited.

    S-adenosylmethionine regulates biological processes by transferring methyl groups, adenosyl groups, amino groups, and more to proteins, lipids, nucleic acids (e.g., DNA), and several other metabolites in many enzymatic reactions.[1][2][3][4]

    Because several conditions — liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, and neurodegenerative conditions, etc. — are associated with low levels of S-adenosylmethionine in blood or tissues,[1][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] supplementation might help restore normal levels. However, even if this is possible, the evidence supporting the therapeutic efficacy of supplementation with S-adenosylmethionine is weak (as described above).

    How does S-adenosylmethionine work? - Examine