Gnosis by Lesaffre spotlights study showing SAMe benefits for infant health

Gnosis by Lesaffre​ (Gnosis) is putting the spotlight on research published in Nutrients​​ in which researchers utilised a new metabolomic analysis to investigate the presence of SAMe in human breast milk.

The study uncovered considerable concentrations of the compound, adding to the evidence that SAMe supplementation can be an effective option for breastfeeding mothers. 

The new analysis approach is based on the new metabolomic approach, which investigates the chemical processes involving metabolites and includes all metabolites in a cell, tissue, organ, or organism with a molecular mass lower than 5,000 Daltons.

The study compared several biofluids (breast milk, maternal blood plasma, cord blood plasma, adult blood plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid) and found the SAMe content observed in breast milk is is likely derived from the breast tissue and not circulating plasma. In the analysis, the authors found a huge 44-fold increase in SAMe concentrations in breast milk over maternal plasma, and a 12-fold increase compared to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

SAMe is the principal methyl-group donor in metabolic pathways required for most transmethylation reactions such as the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine, polyamine, and carnitine, as well as DNA and protein methylation. Phosphatidylcholine, for example, is an important metabolite in breast milk for neurodevelopment. People generally use SAMe to alleviate depression​, and support liver and joint health.

The researchers, including metabolomic expert Teodoro Bottiglieri, Head of the Center of Metabolomics (Dallas, TX), assert that “given its high concentration in breast milk, it is tempting to speculate that SAMe may be a crucial nutrient in infant growth and development and may play an essential role during early stages of life.” 

Lorena Carboni, Product Manager of Adonat Premium SAMe by Gnosis by Lesaffre, says the findings in this study are notable as breastfeeding mothers may use oral SAMe supplementation to reduce the risk of the onset of post-partum depression, as research indicates it can improve serotonin and dopamine receptor site binding.

“This study is unique for SAMe, and its findings can have a tremendous way for developing safe and effective supplement products for pregnant and lactating women,” says Carboni, “The study of metabolomics may in fact represent a new way of understanding how this substance is used by our bodies and suggests that there is still much to be discovered.”

The authors say there is a need to further investigate the role of SAMe in breast milk and discuss a revision of milk formula compositions.

“Adonat Premium SAMe has been a star in our active ingredients portfolio for decades,” explains Marc Philouze, Gnosis by Lesaffre General Manager. “We have pioneered its use in the market with some of the top global brands utilizing our superior clinically validated superstar. It is gratifying to see a new way of evaluating its benefits and impact on human health, particularly if that work confirms the potential it presents for new mothers.”