Adenosylmethionine

Denosyl for Dogs and Glutathione

Adenosylmethionine(or SAM) is one of the most usefull liver supplements. I often use it in my practice. But how does it work? Well, let me explain.

SAM is important in detoxification. By a chemical reaction it is changed to Glutatione. Glutatione is a power full antioxidant and especially very use full in the liver .

Normally SAM is produced in the liver. One of the building blocks is the amino acid methionine which comes from the food. If the liver is damaged or diseased it can produce less SAM ....then less Glutatione is around. Because of this more cells are damaged. And it goes around and around getting more and more a problem.

It makes good sense to add extra SAM in a dog with a bad functioning liver. More Glutatione can be made in the liver. This helps to stabilize the liver and help it to regenerate it self. The liver has really good ability for regeneration and has always fascinated me. Its so smart of mother nature!

Other effects which has been seen is reduction of cholestasis and better release of bile acids from the liver. Some effects against damage on the red blood cells has been seen as well according to the producer of the liver supplement.

The capsules I am using is called Denosyl from Nutamax Lab. Inc.

If one of my dog patients has a raised liver enzymes I use Denosyl for a month. The I recheck the liver values. You can use Denosyl as well if your dog is on any liver stressing treatment. Treatments for Epilepsy almost always raise the liver enzymes and is a well known as possible liver damaging. Probably you could think about using it if your dog are on NSAID for pain. NSAID medicines can be a challenge to the hepatocytes.

I recommend to give the capsules one hour before a meal. Then it pass the stomach faster. The acid in the stomach fluids will reduce the effect of the Adenosylmethionine. Do not divide the capsules - if not recommended by your own vet.