AOAC currently seeks laboratories to participate in a collaborative study to determine S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) in dietary supplements and raw materials. The study design for the collaborative study is now under review by AOAC methods experts, with the study kicking off as early as July 1.

Study Director Wendy R. Sorenson of Covance Laboratories explains that increased interest in the potential physiological benefits has led to the need of a validated method for the quantification of SAMe in raw ingredients and supplement products. SAMe plays a role in at least 40 metabolic pathways, including the production of neurotransmitters and cartilage proteglycans. Data from some clinical trials indicate that SAMe may also be beneficial in the treatment of depression, some liver conditions, and osteoarthritis.

Sorenson is preparing test materials, including raw materials, capsules, and tablets, for distribution to collaborators. The method consists of extraction of SAMe with a mobile phase followed by quantification using isocratic reversed-phase HPLC with UV detection. The chromatographic conditions separate the active S,S-isomer from the inactive R,S-isomer, allowing the quantification of both the total amount of SAMe present and the isomer ratio.

The method was previously developed and underwent single-laboratory validation by USP for the determination of SAMe in dietary supplements and raw materials by reversed-phase HPLC with UV detection.

For more information or to participate as a collaborator, contact Wendy Sorenson at Wendy.Sorenson@covance.com

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