The History & Background of Dimethylethanolamine
Dimethylethanolamine (DMEA) or also known as Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), is an organic, amino acid compound that is naturally produced in the brain but in small amounts. It can also be found in fishes, such as anchovies, sardines, pilchards, etc. Dimethylethanolamine is an antioxidant, a precursor of acetylcholine which is a neurotransmitter responsible for the feeling of relaxation.
Dimethylethanolamine can also be a slimming agent. In a study conducted in the 1950s and ’60s, psychiatrists were optimistic that schizophrenia could be treated by increasing the amount of acetylcholine in the brain. According to the survey, the patients lost more than 2 kg of their weight after taking 250 mg of DMEA daily for four weeks.
Medicine manufacturers were interested in selling the product for treating ADHD when the studies in the 1970s showed that it helped alleviate ADHD symptoms, but further tests were too expensive, so the compound was then packaged as a nutritional ADHD supplement.
Use in Supplements
DMAE is known as a mind health compound. It won’t make someone smarter, but it has benefits against impulsive and disruptive behaviors. It is sometimes referred to as cholinergic as it increases levels of acetylcholine (also essential for learning and memory), which explains why it could also be used in treating memory lapses and Alzheimer’s disease.
Aside from mental health, DMAE also supports physical health. DMAE lightens age spots caused by lipofuscin accumulation in deposits within the body. It also improves physical performance. DMAE increases the production of acetylcholine that results in higher energy levels. It also acts as an antioxidant to combat free radicals, thus reducing DNA damage.
Common Dosing
The standard dosage for Dimethylethanolamine is 100 – 300 milligrams daily, but it still varies from person to person. DMAE is best taken with meals. It is mostly found in powder form, a pill, bulk powder, or powder supplements and can also found in topical face and body creams. DMAE is a powerful stimulant and can have some side effects if too much is consumed, which can include insomnia, muscle tension, and headaches.
Products Containing Dimethylethanolamine
NOW Supplements, DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) 250 mg, Healthy Brain Function*, 100 Veg CapsulesPotential Side Effects of Dimethylethanolamine
Although DMAE is usually safe for most people to take orally or topically (as it can also be applied to the skin), there are still potential side effects which are constipation, itching, drowsiness, insomnia, excitation, vivid dreams, confusion, depression, increased blood pressure, and unwanted movements of the face and the mouth. DMAE can also potentially increase or worsen schizophrenia symptoms.
Some people are best to avoid DMAE, people with clonic-tonic seizures, and pregnant and lactating mothers. Although there aren’t enough reliable sources whether DMAE is safe for pregnant/lactating mothers, it is recommended to avoid it.
FAQs
How do dimethylamylamine (DMAA) and Dimethylethanolamine differ (DMAE)?
I understand that dimethlamylamine (commonly referred to as DMAA) is used in many pre-workouts in order to promote focus, increase energy, and has been said to have many similar attributes of amphetamines. Dimethylethanolamine (DMAE) can be taken to improve mood and mental clarity. I am interested in taking DMAE as a supplement; however, because research on DMAE is so scarce, I could not find if it affects the heart like DMAA does–increased heart rate. I do not take any stimulants and want to avoid DMAE if it also works like amphetamines. I am looking for more information on DMAE. Any links to websites with more information would be great.
Is DMAE a Good Nootropic?
DMAE is a conditionally good nootropic, based on conditions that we haven’t yet fully realized. Which isn’t the most insightful conclusion to this review, but it’s the best I can give.
Frankly, DMAE is a cheap ingredient, averaging around $8 to $9 dollars per monthly supply. That alone should warrant your consideration, even if you’re only moderately curious on what this nootropic could do for your cognition.
How long does it take for the effects to kick in?
When taking orally most people will begin to feel the stimulant like effects within 30-45 mins.
Studies
In a dietary study, rats were exposed to DMAE at dosages of 0.045 g/kg up to 0.89 g/kg in the diet over 90 days.
Although increases in liver and kidney weights were observed at the highest dose level (0.89 g/kg), there were no changes noted in the liver or kidneys during the microscopic examination of these organs.
In a vapor inhalation study, rats were exposed to DMAE vapors of 0, 8, 25, or 75 ppm for 6 hours per day, five days per week, for 13 weeks. The rats exposed to 25 and 75 ppm DMAE showed a transient corneal opacity. Also, rats exposed to 75 ppm throughout this study showed decreased body weight gain and lesions of the respiratory and olfactory epithelium. These findings are not unexpected due to the dermal corrosive properties of DMAE.
In this study, female rats were exposed to DMAE vapors of 0, 10.4, 29.8, or 100 ppm for 6 hours per day on gestational days 6 through 15. Maternal toxicity (reduced weight gain and ocular changes) were observed in the 100 ppm group only. There was no consistent pattern of fetal toxicity or developmental effects noted in the offspring.
Final Review of Dimethylethanolamine
Most people who take DMAE do not experience any harmful side effects, but there are still cases where one could experience side effects from taking it. I suggest that anyone who would take this supplement should avoid taking more than its recommended dosage. DMAE shouldn’t also be used by people with bipolar disorder and those who have epilepsy. I would highly recommend it to athletes, bodybuilders, and people looking to improve everyday performance, energy, or cognition.
References:
http://www.progressivehealth.com/adhd-dmae.htm
https://nootriment.com/dimethylaminoethanol/
https://examine.com/supplements/dmae/
https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=590002
https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=139514683