Question: Everything I've read about SAMe says to take it on an empty stomach. However, the SAMe I purchased from Swanson says to take it with food. Can you clear up the discrepancy for me?

The directions for supplements that do not require food to be assimilated into the system generally state to take them on an empty stomach, as they won't have to process through the whole digestive system, but will absorb more quickly into the bloodstream. However, one of the side-effects of SAMe is nausea, and most people find that when they take it with food, they do not experience this unpleasant reaction. It may take longer for it to reach its destination, but the actual bioavailability of it is unchanged. If you are able to take it without stomach upset, though, feel free to take it on an empty stomach.

The directions for the 400 mg strength of Swanson Ultra SAMe omit the words “with food” and simply state take “with water.”

This question was answered by a trained product specialist at Swanson Health Products. Do you have a question you’d like answered? Send it via email to drea658baic@compend.me.

(Note: as per industry regulations, we cannot and will not answer medical questions, make treatment or diagnosis recommendations or comment on disease inquiries. Such questions must be answered by your doctor or professional health care provider.)