What is the best DMAE dosage necessary to generate the optimum cognitive effects? DMAE is used for multiple cognitive and intellectual enhancements and dosage may vary depending on the intended purpose.
Taking DMAE in the right form, and at the right dosage, is important in order to reap the benefits of this supplement. If stacking DMAE with other supplements, the dosage may need to be adjusted (lowered) for synergistic purposes or to offset unwanted side effects.
Like other nootropic supplements, DMAE may not affect every person the same way. Users should be aware of potential side effects and interactions with other supplements and medications before taking this supplement.
Recently, it has become more popular to supplant DMAE with a related nootropic called Centrophenoxine.
Centrophenoxine is a more potent version of DMAE that is being extensively researched for the treatment of various cognitive disorders and forms of memory loss. Since it is purer than standardized DMAE, it requires a much smaller dosage to be effective.



- Found to enhance mental concentration
- Supports memory by boosting acetylcholine
- Neuroprotective with anti-aging effects
DMAE Benefits and Effects
Related Topics
DMAE is the commonly used name for Dimethylaminoethanol. This compound is produced naturally within our bodies and brains, but sometimes we may need to supplement it. We mostly derive DMAE when we eat certain oily fish like salmon, anchovies and sardines.
It is believed that DMAE is able to boost our level of the key neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, thereby increasing boosting memory function, reason and other intellectual abilities.
DMAE has been studied for four decades, but the findings of the studies continue to be indecisive and sometimes even contradictory. Some user reports also conflict with scientific outcomes, adding to the confusion.
Primarily, people take DMAE for three specific benefits: ADD/ADHD support, mood elevation and memory enhancement.
ADD/ADHD: As a cognitive tool, DMAE is used by those with ADD/ADHD to help increase their ability to focus as well as reduce impulsive behaviors. Two studies on schoolchildren, from the 1970s, support this finding.
Mood Elevation: Though it has not been scientifically proven, users report using DMAE to effectively treat certain depressive symptoms. A study from 2003 showed a suggestive positive outcome for patients diagnosed with “emotional borderline disturbance”.
Memory Enhancement: The most common DMAE claim is that it improves memory, concentration and intellectual function. One study supporting this finding was done at Duke University in 1995. Rats given DMAE showed improvements in working memory performance.
Does It Work?
It has been shown that DMAE is only able to cross the blood-brain barrier in small amounts at a time. For this reason, many of the theories regarding benefits related to acetylcholine enhancement within the brain are largely suspect.
It is safe to say that the mechanism of action for DMAE is not understood and more research is needed. Structurally, DMAE differs from Choline only because Choline has one more methyl molecule.
Another nootropic supplement, Centrophenoxine, which is synthesized from DMAE, is considered to more potent. This is likely because it is more bioavailable than DMAE due to its ability to effectively cross the blood-brain barrier.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects from DMAE are not common when taken at the recommended dosage. It is also very difficult to overdose on DMAE since the range of safe doses is quite large.
However, there are some positive negative side effects and they may be exacerbated when taking too much at once. Some side effects users have experienced include:
- gastrointestinal problems
- drowsiness
- body odor
- confusion
- increased blood pressure
- irritability
DMAE is not recommended for those with schizophrenia or depression. It may interact with medications used to treat these conditions or it could worsen some symptoms.
Women who are pregnant or lactating should not take DMAE. Do not use this supplement if you are trying to conceive. It is believed that use of DMAE in the first few days following conception could cause birth defects in unborn babies.
DMAE Dosage Guidelines
DMAE is available over-the-counter in three forms: Liquid, powder and tablet. Which of these will work best for you is largely a matter of convenience. It is also typically sold in a form known as DMAE Bitartrate, though other versions have been marketed as well.
Every person’s chemistry is different. Because of this, dosages for DMAE vary widely from only 50mg per day all the way up to 1,500mg split between two doses each day. It is necessary to gauge your effects and determine the optimal dose which works best with your individual body chemistry.
DMAE seems to be among the nootropic supplements where less equals more, in terms of benefits derived.
When starting off, it is recommended to take no more than 100mg for the first few days. This will give your body a chance to adjust to the supplement and to monitor for side effects.
A majority of users settle on a dose of 100mg-300mg daily. In contrast to this, though, there are user reports that taking 200mg each day caused depressive symptoms, but when adjusted down to just 50mg per day their ability to focus and reason improved.
As with many smart drugs, taking your time to find the right dose is important. If stacking DMAE with other supplements, a synergistic effect may ensue (an increase in potency of each of the supplements).
For this reason, even if you have been taking DMAE for a little while, if adding another nootropic supplement to your stack, consider lowering your dose during the initial period.
DMAE dosages will vary from person to person depending on the chemistry of each individual, as well as the other nootropic supplements and drugs being taken. The dose of DMAE that is right for you can vary between 50mg-300mg per day.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment