DMAE

What is DMAE?

DMAE or dimethylaminoethanol is an organic compound that has been around for a couple of decades for both industrial and pharmaceutical purposes. Better known as Deanol in European countries, DMAE is said to be beneficial for mental function as well as for the skin.

Where Does DMAE Come From?

DMAE is found in small amounts naturally in our brain. In terms of food sources, it is mainly found in meat sources, especially that of salmon, sardines and anchovies. Amounts of DMAE in these foods however are quite small, so in order to get more DMAE into your diet, it might be worth considering the use of DMAE containing supplements.

DMAE Benefits

DMAE is said to be a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. Therefore, the use of DMAE has been associated with improved mental function and alertness. Indeed, Deanol has often been marketed for ADHD, Alzheimer’s and for general improvements in memory and brain function. DMAE has also been studied for possible benefits to ageing and wrinkled skin with results showing possible tightening of the skin. However, due to a lack of studies, final conclusions on the effectiveness of DMAE for dermatological reasons cannot be made at the moment.

DMAE Benefits for Bodybuilding

Mental focus and attention is crucial to a good and effective work out and so the possibility of DMAE being beneficial for cognitive function will be extremely helpful for bodybuilders and people requiring increased focus and alertness. An earlier study was also able to show that DMAE in combination with ginseng, vitamins, minerals and other trace elements was able to improve physical performance during exercise with improvements in heart rate, oxygen consumption and blood lactate production among some of the tested variables. However, few other studies have been conducted on DMAE supplementation alone and its benefits for physical performance.

DMAE Negatives & Side Effects

DMAE in the form of Deanol seems safe to be consumed or applied on the skin. Some users may experience negative symptoms such as constipation, itchiness, drowsiness, insomnia, confusion and increased blood pressure.

DMAE Recommended Doses & Ingredient Timing

Due to lack of studies, it is hard to make any conclusive dosage recommendations. However, the study which showed improvements in exercise performance used dosages of between 300-2000mg per day in two doses.

DMAE Supplements

Dimethylaminoethanol or DMAE can be found in a variety of supplements from fat loss supplements to specialised supplements for brain and mental function to pre-workout supplements.

Stacking DMAE

Most supplement ingredients can be stacked with DMAE, however due to the proposed benefits to alertness and focus as well as exercise performance, it is best for safety reasons not stack DMAE with other stimulants unless already part of a respected manufacturers formulated supplement.

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1. HONEGGER CG, HONEGGER R. ‘Occurrence and quantitative determination of 2-dimethylaminoethanol in animal tissue extracts.’ Nature. 1959 Aug 15;184(Suppl 8):550-2.
2. Dimpfel W, Wedekind W, Keplinger I. ‘Efficacy of dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) containing vitamin-mineral drug combination on EEG patterns in the presence of different emotional states.’ Eur J Med Res. 2003 May 30;8(5):183-91.
3. Pieralisi G, Ripari P, Vecchiet L. Effects of a standardized ginseng extract combined with dimethylaminoethanol bitartrate, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements on physical performance during exercise. Clin Ther 1991;13:373-82.