Flourishing appeal of SAMe for brain dysfunction and new spin expected for old favorite caffeine

01 Apr 2024 --- Certain natural compounds are mainstays of the nutraceuticals segment and continue to demonstrate added value to innovative formulations, such as S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and caffeine. Researchers find additional ways to incorporate them into supplements that make them more productive, or they find new ways of applying these compounds regardless of market shifts like the current move toward natural and food supplement innovation.

Gnosis by Lesaffre and Mibelle Biochemistry provide Nutrition Insight with interesting perspectives on these compounds. “Brain dysfunctions and cognitive impairments are connected with the rise of homocysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid generated by the metabolism of methionine, the precursor of SAMe,” Lorena Carboni, scientific communications specialist at Gnosis by Lesaffre, tells Nutrition Insight.

SAMe is a naturally occurring compound found in most tissue and fluid in the body and plays a pivotal role in the immune system, maintaining cell membranes and breaking down serotonin, melatonin and dopamine. Gnosis by Lesaffre offers Adonat Premium SAMe.

“Increased levels of homocysteine are recognized as a cardiovascular risk factor, damaging vascular structures in the brain. Indeed, hyperhomocysteinemia has been identified as a risk factor for a multitude of conditions, including cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s dementia,” says Carboni.

Elevated levels of homocysteine are often present with low levels of SAMe and often a result of poor homocysteine conversion to methionine, a precursor of SAMe that depletes as homocysteine accumulates.

Growth of a category
When a category grows in popularity, as nootropics have, an influx of suppliers vie for attention, which results in many making bolder claims to stand out, Carboni notes. According to Gnosis by Lesaffre, Adonat Premium SAMe has greater biological relevance for brand owners and consumers.

“The only claims that should be made are those proven by clinical science. SAMe, as a naturally occurring compound in the body, has been extensively studied both in understanding the mechanisms and pathways by which the substance operates in the body and demonstrating the therapeutic value when supplemented, establishing the safety and efficacy,” she explains.

“This could make SAMe a more appealing choice for consumers looking for natural, evidence-based nootropic options.”

Adonat has a high content of biologically active SAMe that meets the standards required by international nutrition markets, and the product range includes bulk powders and tablets.

“The market is wide and growing. Demographics seeking support from nootropic ingredients range from gamers and college students to high-level executives. This means widening communication avenues to meet consumers ‘where they are’ to educate them about benefits and formulating with a variety of delivery formats, including on-the-go options,” Carboni says.

Caffeine contradiction
The nutraceutical market is trying to kick the caffeine habit, but this compound has been in play long before the segment diversified and continues to be highly popular, according to Mibelle Biochemistry’s observations.

“Caffeine is still one of the most popular ones. However, we predict a possible trend toward nootropics providing more than just stimulating effects on brain health in the next few years. As the brain is one of the organs most impacted by aging, we think that the importance of a more holistic way of healthy aging will continue to grow,” Alice Olufeso, senior product manager, food and health at Mibelle Biochemistry, tells us.

The company observes a high probability that brain health and anti-aging will converge in the future. In the nutraceutical market, their experts note a consistent shift in supplement formats from traditional tablets and capsules. 

“Many more food-like supplement formats are commercially available today, such as gummies, beverages, powder mixes, sprays or gums. Furthermore, we also observe the trend toward more natural supplements within the nutraceutical and nootropics space, where the demand for botanical alternatives is continuously rising,” says Olufeso.

By Inga de Jong