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.