Dimethylaminoethanol, more commonly known as DMAE, is a compound produced naturally within the body that is considered to be very beneficial for the brain.
Foods such as sardines, salmon and anchovies provide the body with DMAE which is processed in the liver and subsequently converted to Choline. DMAE benefits are said to mirror those of a high quality Choline source in terms of boosting memory function as well as learning ability.
However, studies on DMAE are contradictory, thereby casting a questionable light on most of the touted benefits of the supplement. For nootropic users, another supplement, Centrophenoxine, which is synthesized from DMAE, may be a more effective option due to its higher bioavailability for acetylcholine conversion.
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Brain Health
Anti- Aging- Found to enhance mental concentration
- Supports memory by boosting acetylcholine
- Neuroprotective with anti-aging effects
Studies on DMAE
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The earliest studies on the effects of DMAE were done in the 1970s on schoolchildren who had been diagnosed with behavioral disorders and learning disabilities.
The studies suggested that DMAE supplementation reduced hyperactivity and improved the children’s ability to concentrate. Their test scores also improved.
More recent studies have not confirmed this finding, though. In fact, some studies contradict these findings, making the claims about this supplement controversial.
A study in 1995 at Duke University concluded that rats given DMAE showed improvements in their working memory performance. To date, this has not be studied in humans.
A more recent study from 2003 involved 80 test subjects who had been diagnosed with “borderline emotional disturbance”. The subjects were given either a placebo or a vitamin/mineral mixture which contained DMAE bitartrate.
This study showed that the subjects taking the vitamin/mineral/DMAE mixture had a greater increase in feelings of wellbeing than those taking the placebo. The subjects taking the vitamin/mineral/DMAE mixture also appeared to experience improvements in mood and attention.
Top DMAE Supplements
DMAE Benefits
In relation to cognitive function, people take DMAE for four primary benefits. These include boosting mental and physical energy, mood elevation, to help with ADD or ADHD symptoms, and to help with depressive symptoms.
Because each individual’s neurochemistry is unique, different supplements will affect people differently.
DMAE is widely thought to be a source of Choline. Users report benefits ranging from an increased ability to focus on tasks, enhanced memory recall, slight mood elevation and better ability to reason.
DMAE is reported to have some positive cognitive impact for many people, as referenced in the studies above.
However, because it has a relatively weak capacity for crossing the blood brain barrier, there are other sources of Choline supplementation (acetylcholine precursors) which may be much more effective. Among these is Centrophenoxine, which is synthesized from DMAE.
Should I Take DMAE?
DMAE is said to contribute to increased acetylcholine levels in the brain. It is believed to be a valuable building material in the process through which Choline is converted to acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a key neurotransmitter responsible for memory encoding and many other intellectual abilities.
Thus, Choline, which is a precursor to acetylcholine, is a common nootropic supplement for enhancing cognitive function and abilities.
However, in order for DMAE to provide our brains with this necessary building material, it must first cross the blood-brain barrier. As of this time, DMAE has been shown as being more or less ineffective at crossing the blood-brain barrier in any meaningful quantity.
If it cannot cross this restrictive barrier in adequate amounts, it isn’t likely to contribute to increased acetylcholine levels, thus not providing significant nootropic benefit.
More research needs to be done to explore the possible mechanisms of action which produced the beneficial outcomes in the studies mentioned earlier. It seems there are benefits of DMAE usage for cognitive enhancement, but how these effects occur, and to what degree, is still unknown.
- Found to enhance mental concentration
- May improve memory due to Cholinergic activity
- May have benefits for individuals with ADHD
How to Take
DMAE is available in liquid, pill or powder form. Dosages for DMAE supplementation varies between 50mg-500mg per day. Some users report negative effects at 200mg doses, but that decreasing to a 50mg dose offers them increased focus and concentration.
Starting off with the smallest dose is recommended and combine with Piracetam for added benefits.
Side Effects
DMAE taken in lower doses typically produces no side effects. Taking higher doses can cause headache, drowsiness, anxiety, and twitching movements.It is contraindicated in those diagnosed with schizophrenia or depression. Women who are pregnant or lactating should not take DMAE supplements.
DMAE Review
DMAE has been shown in some scientific studies to improve certain cognitive functions. In particular, the studies on schoolchildren suggest DMAE may be beneficial for those with ADD/ADHD. This supplement may also be helpful as a mood stabilizer and for increasing cognitive function.
Additional research into DMAE benefits is necessary to produce more conclusive results. Other supplements are available which are known to cross the blood-brain barrier with efficiency. One of these is Centrophenoxine.
Centrophenoxine is available both as a supplement and a prescription drug. As a prescription drug, it is called Lucidril and is commonly used in conjunction with other medications in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
As a supplement, it is often used in conjunction with a racetam drug in a nootropic regimen. So, although DMAE benefits remain controversial for the present, other established nootropic agents are readily available.
- PORTNOW SL, ARDIS MB, LUBACH JE. The effect of deanol on the activity of chronic schizophrenic patients. Am J Psychiatry. 1960
- Lindeboom SF, Lakke JP. Deanol and physostigmine in the treatment of L-dopa-induced dyskinesias. Acta Neurol Scand. 1978
- 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
- HUDDLESTON W, STAIGER RC, FRYE R, MUSGRAVE RS, STRITCH T. Deanol as aid in overcoming reading retardation. Clin Med (Northfield). 1961
- KLEINSORGE H, RUHE R. [Studies on the effectiveness of dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) with and without vitamin supplement in the treatment of geriatric diseases]. Med Welt. 1961
- Re’ O. 2-Dimethylaminoethanol (deanol): a brief review of its clinical efficacy and postulated mechanism of action. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 1974
