SAMe plays more critical role in infant development than previously thought, experts reveal

01 Jun 2023 --- Gnosis by Lesaffre is spotlighting new metabolomic research outcomes that suggest a strong demand for S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) during early infant growth, while its absence in eleven tested infant milk formulas could indicate the inadequacy of the vital metabolic food. 

The authors found a 44-fold increase in SAMe concentrations in breast milk over maternal plasma and a 12-fold increase compared to cerebrospinal fluid. 

“The discovery of SAMe in breast milk opens up the possibility of including this nutrient in the pool of substances that one cannot do without to ensure the right milk formula,” Lorena Carboni, Adonat Premium SAMe product manager at Gnosis by Lesaffre, tells NutritionInsight. 

Carboni explains that SAMe is an essential human methylator, involved in over 100 biochemical pathways in the human body and a key factor studied in counteracting alterations in brain structures linked with cognitive decline, intimately tied to the aging process. 

“SAMe is associated with longevity, slowing down aging via proper control of synthesis, maintenance, modification and repair of DNA, RNA, proteins and a myriad of other components.” 

Carboni explains that SAMe is studied in counteracting alterations in brain structures linked with cognitive decline.Metabolomic research involves investigating chemical processes involving metabolites, which are substances made or used when the body breaks down food, drugs, chemicals, or tissue. The research includes all metabolites in a cell, tissue, organ or organism with a molecular mass under 5,000 Daltons, a measure of molecular weight. 

“Exploring metabolomics in breastfeeding and newborn care offers an approach to investigating the complex relationship between nutrition and children’s health,” foresees Carboni. 

“Gold standard for neonatal nutrition” 
Gnosis by Lesaffre’s Adonat Premium SAMe provides 75% of biologically active SAMe, exceeding the USP dietary supplement monograph requirement of at least 60%. 

“Breast milk is the gold standard for neonatal nutrition. It is unique for each neonate and is tailored to their needs,” highlights Carboni. 

“When lactation is either not an option or not chosen, the optimal milk formula must provide the same nutrients, replacing the necessary carbohydrates, protein, lipids, vitamins and minerals to allow normal growth, but also specific nutrients.” 

Carboni emphasizes that, for companies in the supplement market, the research opens the possibility of proposing safe and specific solutions for both children in the womb and their mothers, using a key ingredient like SAMe for the potential and physiological mood disorders associated with the postpartum period. 

“The characterization of the metabolome of breast milk compared to that of formula milk provides insight into how each nutrient influences the infant’s metabolism and offers the possibility to intervene in the composition of the diet according to the infant’s nutritional requirements, including the entire supplementation dedicated to the pregnancy and lactation period.” 

Key to personalized medicine 
Carboni sees metabolomics as a promising approach to define an individual’s metabolic state by reflecting what has been encoded by the genome and modified by environmental factors at a specific time.

Metabolomic research involves investigating chemical processes involving metabolites in cells, tissues, organs or organisms.“The scientific community is convinced that it would provide the key to personalized medicine and it will help clinicians to provide the best care possible for both mothers and their neonates.” 

“The types of metabolites identified, as well as the interactions between them, could suggest the development of new clinical and dietary interventions up to new pharmacological targets.”

More specifically, she explains that scientists expect the new research approach will aid investigations into in-depth, specific functions and physiological roles in health and disease, in the role of genes and metabolic pathways actionable to drug therapy or diet, i.e., pharmacogenomics and nutrition, in aging and in acute or chronic diseases. 

“The potential of this relatively young science in perinatal nutrition is enormous: metabolomics can become a key factor since each event that happens during the periconceptional period and pregnancy can affect an individual’s health status.” 

Biofluid analysis 
In the study published in Nutrients, the researchers compared breast milk’s metabolic profile with other biofluids with the same metabolites, including maternal blood plasma, cord blood plasma, adult blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. 

The biofluids and infant milk formulas were analyzed to quantify choline, betaine, methionine, SAMe, S-adenosylhomocysteine, total homocysteine and cystathionine levels. 

The researchers 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.” 

As SAMe levels in maternal and adult plasma are not significantly different, the researchers suggest that the high SAMe concentration in breast milk is derived from the breast tissue and not from circulating plasma. 

The optimal milk formula must provide the same nutrients as breast milk to allow normal growth, notes Carboni.The researchers note that further studies are required to determine the effect of consistent supplementation of SAMe and whether supplementation leads to higher levels in breast milk. 

SAMe health benefits 
SAMe is a critical methyl-group donor in metabolic pathways and is required for most transmethylation reactions, such as the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine – an important metabolite in breast milk for neurodevelopment – polyamine and carnitine, as well as DNA and protein methylation. 

“Decreased or low SAMe levels in some biological fluids and tissues are often accompanied by severe physiological complications and have been associated with some altered body states, such as mood and cognitive impairment, liver disorders, but also joint discomfort,” explains Carboni. 

Supplementing SAMe can support brain health, Carboni continues, as the compound supports neurotransmitter synthesis, “helping in mood alteration status, as well as in cognitive functions at different levels, also working as a nootropic ingredient.” 

Moreover, she explains how SAMe is linked to choline metabolism. Choline is required to synthesize phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin – essential constituents of membranes that maintain their integrity, cell function and signaling – and for acetylcholine. This neurotransmitter plays a significant role in cognitive function.

“Last but not least, in the liver and joint health, SAMe works to maintain hepatic functionality and promote the preservation of healthy joints, adopted as an effective dietary supplement for liver dysfunction and joint pain relief,” concludes Carboni. 

By Jolanda van Hal