Depression is common in children and adults with ADHD. SAMe may enhance the mood-enhancing effects of serotonin and dopamine—either by regulating their breakdown or by speeding production of the receptor molecules they latch on to. SAMe may also make existing receptors more responsive. If the membranes get thick and sticky, due to age or other stresses, the receptors lose their ability to move and change in response to chemical signals. By methylating fats called phospholipids, SAMe keeps the membranes fluid and the receptors mobile.

Since the 1970s, researchers have published over 40 clinical studies involving roughly 1,400 patients. These maybe small studies by FDA standards, findings are remarkably consistent. In 1994 Dr. Giorgio Bressa, a psychiatrist at the University Cattolica Sacro Cuore in Rome, pooled found that “the efficacy of SAMe in treating depressive syndromes…is superior [to] that of placebo and comparable to thea of standard…antidepressants.”

SAMe is not exceptionally better than current prescription antidepressant, but it’s clearly less toxic and more tolerable. Common antidepressants, such as Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil, have known side effects ranging from headaches and diarrhea to agitation, sleeplessness, sexual dysfunction, and manic episode in people with bipolar disorder. And SAMe? Maybe a mild stomachache; and possibly manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder, just like other antidepressant.

You can’t really get SAMe from eating any particular food. But you can eat a high protein diet, which will supply the methionine needed for making SAMe. Otherwise, supplementation is your best option.

SAMe comes in two forms, tosylate and a more stable form called butanedisulfonate. Only Nature Made and GNC sell the new butanedisulfonate version. Choose enteric-coated SAMe as it is absorbed mainly through the intestine. The enteric coat will ensure that the S-adenosylmethionine molecule is protected from stomach acid, and reach the intestine intact for absorption.

It is best to take SAMe twice a day on an empty stomach. You may start at 400mg/day divided into two doses.

CALCULATING SUPPLEMENT DOSE FOR CHILDREN FROM ADULT DOSE

Frequently dosing of supplements are based on adults. As we all know, children have smaller body size and thus require different dosage of many vitamins and supplements, especially medications.

Here is a formula that you can use simply to estimate the dose for children:

Adult dose divided by 150, then multiply by your child’s weight in pounds. This will give you the dose for your child.

Remember, it is just an estimate. Always check with your pediatrician or registered dietitian to get the proper amount for your child.

Ok, there you have it…

I hope you find this information helpful. Let me know what you think and comment below.

Remember ADHD does not doom your child to a life of under-achievement. You know your child is bright, full of potential and deserve the best. In fact, many of the world’s greatest discoveries and inventions were made by people with ADHD.

I helped my crazy wild child who could not read or write when she was little with the 4 steps I laid out in the Eat to Focus book. She’s now a merit scholarship student studying premed in Loyola Chicago University.

So stay strong and keep believing in your child. 

Check out the Eat to Focus book at amazon.com to learn about my story and the 4 steps that I used to transform my daughter and help her reach her full potential. This information may change your child’s future.

Download your free gift before you leave. I have put together 15 clean and brain-nourishing school day breakfast ideas for you. I don’t like to spend my life in the kitchen either, so I make sure these are super simple and quick recipes, and some you can even prepare the night before. Knowing your child goes to school fully prepared and well-fed is satisfying.

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