The country’s apex food regulatory authority, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), has launched a scrutiny on health supplements in the market, focusing on products containing the ingredient S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine, News18 has learnt.
The supplements made using S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe) are known for potential health benefits in conditions like depression, liver health and arthritis.
SAMe is a naturally occurring compound found in the cells of the human body. According to scientific journals, it helps produce and regulate hormones, maintains cell membranes and plays a crucial role in various biochemical processes. Hence, it is often used as a dietary supplement or medication.
The authority has asked the food inspectors to check if such products are being sold with an FSSAI licence and “delist” them immediately. The authority has “rejected or revoked” all the applications seeking approval for selling health supplements using the molecule. However, FSSAI has noticed the sale of such products in the market and online platforms.
SAMe Available Despite Rejection of Approvals
According to the letter sent by FSSAI to the commissioners of food across states and Union Territories, “it has been brought to the notice of Food Authority that the ingredient/products with S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe) are available in the market or under e-commerce platform with FSSAI license”.
The letter explained that the ingredient or product with SAMe has not been considered as ‘food’ and the applications for approval of the same as health supplement or food with special medical purpose under Food Safety and Standards Regulation have been “rejected or revoked” by the food authority.
FSSAI does not allow the use of the molecule under the food category as it has to be used in caution with several categories of medicines such as anti-Parkinson’s drugs, anti-depressants, painkillers and anti-migraine drugs due to the possibility of interaction.
Not only in India, but in several other countries the molecule is approved only for sale as medicine and not health supplement.
The FSSAI has directed all states and UTs to “de-list such products with FSSAI license from their respective platforms”.
The food business operators are also directed to ensure that such products are not sold under FSSAI licence either in markets or at e-commerce platforms.
Why is SAMe Not Allowed as Part of Health Supplements?
According to medical experts, it is important to consult a doctor before adding SAMe to the diet if anyone suffers from bipolar disorder as this supplement could potentially exacerbate anxiety and manic episodes.
Also, people with weakened immune systems could face an elevated risk of infection from the bacterium pneumocystis as SAMe could potentially promote its growth.
It is also known to lead to a life-threatening situation by causing Serotonin syndrome, also known as serotonin toxicity. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a vital role in regulating mood, sleep, and various bodily functions.
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