Total:€ 3.391,00
SAM/SAH (S-adenosylmethionine/S-adenosylhomocysteine)
€ 50,00
A targeted methylation profile measuring S-adenosylmethionine and S-adenosylhomocysteine in RBCs and/or plasma to assess methylation capacity, methyl donor balance, and related biochemical function.
Your test at a glance
- Sample
- Blood
- Results from receipt
- Usually 3–10 days
- Fasting
- An 8-hour overnight fast is recommended for a standardised nutrient assessment; plain water only. Follow your WHL instructions.
Timing starts when suitable samples arrive at the laboratory. Shipping time is additional. Combined panels may take longer.
Preparation: Pause non-prescribed nutritional supplements for at least 48 hours, unless WHL or your clinician advises otherwise.
WHL will send the full test instructions with your kit or appointment confirmation. Follow these before collecting.
Preparation and important notesOne charge per request. Processing and handling is charged once for the complete request, not for each test or panel. Collection and delivery charges are shown separately at checkout.
Description
SAM / SAH Ratio – Methylation Balance Profile
The SAM / SAH Ratio – Methylation Balance Profile is an advanced functional biochemistry test designed to assess methylation capacity through the measurement of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) in red blood cells (RBCs) and/or plasma.
This profile provides valuable insight into one of the body’s most important biochemical processes: methylation. Methylation plays a central role in neurotransmitter synthesis, detoxification, DNA regulation, phospholipid metabolism, cardiovascular health, and the recycling of homocysteine.
What does this test measure?
- S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM)
- S-Adenosylhomocysteine (SAH)
- SAM / SAH Ratio
Sample options
- RBCs and/or plasma
- Sample type depends on the requested analytical configuration and clinical indication
Why is the SAM / SAH ratio important?
SAM is the body’s principal methyl donor, while SAH is the metabolic product formed after methyl group transfer. The balance between these two compounds is highly informative, as an elevated SAH level may inhibit methylation reactions even if SAM itself appears adequate.
The SAM / SAH ratio is therefore considered a useful functional marker of methylation efficiency and cellular methylation potential.
Clinical relevance
This test may be useful in the evaluation of patients with suspected impaired methylation, disturbed one-carbon metabolism, elevated homocysteine-related biochemical imbalance, or functional nutrient insufficiency involving folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, riboflavin, choline, betaine, or methionine pathways.
It may also provide clinically relevant support in more complex cases involving fatigue, neurological symptoms, cognitive dysfunction, mood-related concerns, detoxification burden, cardiovascular risk patterns, and functional medicine investigations focused on methylation status.
When may this test be considered?
- Suspected methylation imbalance
- Elevated homocysteine or disturbed methionine cycle function
- Assessment of methyl donor status
- Investigation of functional folate or vitamin B12 pathway issues
- Supportive work-up in fatigue, cognitive, mood, or neurochemical cases
- Follow-up of targeted nutritional or methylation support strategies
RBC versus plasma analysis
RBC measurement may provide a more intracellular perspective and can be useful when a longer-term reflection of cellular methylation status is desired. Plasma measurement may be useful for assessing circulating levels and acute biochemical dynamics. In some cases, combined assessment may offer additional interpretive value.
Suggested complementary tests
- Homocysteine
- Folate metabolites
- Vitamin B12 and active B12 markers
- Vitamin B6
- Organic Acids Profile
- Amino Acids Profile
- Oxidative Stress Markers
Who is this test for?
This test is primarily intended for practitioners and individuals seeking a more advanced assessment of methylation biochemistry, especially when routine markers alone do not fully explain the clinical picture.
Important note
Interpretation of SAM, SAH, and the SAM / SAH ratio should always be made in the context of the patient’s clinical history, nutritional status, related biochemical markers, and overall metabolic function.
Suitable for postal submission.
Additional information
| Weight | 0,5 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 25 × 16 × 2,5 cm |
| Sample Type |
Preparing for this test
WHL will send detailed collection, storage and return instructions with your test kit or appointment confirmation. Those test-specific instructions take priority.
Sample: Blood
Fasting: An 8-hour overnight fast is recommended for a standardised nutrient assessment; plain water only. Follow your WHL instructions.
For nutritional testing, pause non-prescribed supplements, including protein and amino-acid powders, for at least 48 hours unless WHL or your clinician advises otherwise. If monitoring supplements, agree the timing with your practitioner.
Do not stop prescribed medicines or prescribed supplements without advice from your treating clinician. Tell WHL about high-dose biotin; some tests need a longer pause. A short supplement pause does not remove all effects of long-term use.
If another test in the same order requires fasting, follow the combined instructions. Ask your clinician or WHL before fasting if you have diabetes, use glucose-lowering medicine, are pregnant, or are arranging testing for a child.
When to expect your results
Usually 3–10 days. This estimate starts when suitable samples reach the laboratory, not on the order or collection date. Shipping is additional. WHL will confirm any test-specific exception; a combined panel follows its slowest component.
Practical preparation tips
If fasting is requested, drink only plain water in your usual amounts. Do not have coffee, tea, juice, milk, energy drinks, sweets or chewing gum. Avoid smoking or vaping that morning. Book an early appointment and eat after collection.
For a planned blood test, avoid alcohol and unusually strenuous exercise for 24 hours, where practical, and sit quietly for about 15 minutes before collection. Tell WHL if you could not follow the preparation instructions.
Do not extend fasting or change prescribed medication on your own. Ask your clinician first if you have diabetes, need medicine with food, are pregnant, or are arranging testing for a child. WHL’s full test-specific instructions take priority.
Sources for this general preparation guidance
- Mayo Clinic Laboratories — plasma amino acids
- Mayo Clinic Laboratories — vitamin B6
- Mayo Clinic Laboratories — B12 and folate
- Mayo Clinic Laboratories — vitamins A and E
- Mayo Clinic Laboratories — iron studies
- NHS — fasting blood tests
- EAS/EFLM — fasting and non-fasting lipids
- EFLM/COLABIOCLI — preparation for blood collection
Other laboratories’ methods and preparation rules can differ. These sources support the general advice; WHL confirms the instructions for the method used for your test.
