What are the Nootropic Effects of DMAE?

DMAE is a supplement sold around the world that is said to improve cognitive function as well as mood. If you look at any list of the best natural brain supplements, chances are that you will find DMAE or one of its related substances (like Centrophenoxine) among the list.

The company Riker Laboratories even produces a drug called Deaner or Deanol containing DMAE that is supposed to improve memory in elderly individuals or patients with Alzheimer’s.

But what exactly does DMAE do to produce these benefits and how can you replicate the results for yourself? To the extent that DMAE can enhance brainpower, we refer to it as a ‘nootropic’ supplement. So what are DMAE’s nootropic effects and how can it help you?

DMAE

Cholinergic Supplement

Focus

Brain Health

Anti- Aging

How It Works:

• Found to enhance mental concentration
• Supports memory by boosting acetylcholine
• Neuroprotective with anti-aging effects

Dosage:

Between 300 - 2,000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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DMAE in Review

DMAE (also known as Dimethylethanolamine or Dimethylaminoethanol) is a natural compound that is produced in human brain tissue.

We derive it from foods such as salmon, sardines and other fish. It is available as a supplement in pill or powder formulations as DMAE Bitartrate and others.

At present, it is more common to use Centrophenoxine which is an enhanced version of DMAE known to have better bioavailability and brain activity, but you will still find that many people use regular DMAE.

What makes DMAE attractive as a brain supplement is that it is a source of the nutrient Choline.

This recently named B Vitamin is necessary for optimal functioning of your brain, especially as it related to memory storage and retrieval. It is also used in the construction and maintenance of cell membranes throughout all of the human body.

Choline itself is not very good at reaching the brain when we ingest it as a supplement or from foods. DMAE is known to have much better transportation to the brain and can result in a higher level of Cholinergic activity.

Once DMAE reaches the brain, it is methylated. This is a reaction that involves the addition of a methyl group to a compound, and this reaction produces choline.

However, the choline produced by DMAE is charged and cannot penetrate the blood brain barrier. The DMAE is then instead bound to phospholipids in place of the choline, which produces phosphatidyl-dimethylaminoethanol.

This is then utilised in nerve membranes to increase fluidity and permeability, and also acts as an antioxidant.

Does DMAE have any Nootropic Effects?

Studies have found that DMAE improves memory, learning and concentration as well as having a net positive effect on intelligence.

This is most likely due to the fact that it potentiates the synthesis of acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that neurons use to communicate when consolidating, encoding and recalling memories.

It also plays a role in our ability to focus as well as the plasticity of the brain. Higher levels of acetylcholine can lead to greater clarity of thought, memory retention, focus, and analytical skills.

A 1978 study published in Experimental Gerontology found that DMAE produced a wide swath of benefits ranging from heightened physical energy extended life span, elevated mood and a slight stimulant effect.

DMAE has been found to be of benefit to people suffering from ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder). It has not had any effect in trials where it was used to treat patients suffering from memory related disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s Disease.

Centrophenxoine, on the other hand has shown benefits in these applications which is why it is considered superior to DMAE>

DMAE is also said to reduce levels of anxiety in people suffering from it, give a boost in energy and vitality and also generally improve the mood of people who take it. It has not been extensively tested in treating people suffering from clinical depression.

DMAE has been shown to be useful in skin oinments as an anti-inflammatory. Some sources say it also aids in an anti-ageing sense as it can smooth out wrinkles in the skin, but there is little evidence to support this claim.

Side Effects of DMAE

Though rare, oral use of the drug has resulted in side effects in some patients. Potential side effects associated with DMAE include symptoms such as drowsiness, insomnia, confusion or headaches.

Potential gastrointestinal side effects associated with the use of DMAE can include constipation. Smaller scale side effects can include things like itching, vivid dreams and unwanted muscular twitches in the face and mouth.

In addition to this, it is advised that people who are pregnant, people who are lactating and people who may be suffering from schizophrenia or similar conditions should avoid taking the supplement.

Anyone considering taking DMAE as a dietary supplement should consult a medical professional first so that they are fully aware of any potential side effects that the drug may have on them based on a pre-existing condition that they may have.

DMAE as a Nootropic

DMAE is one of the older generation of nootropics made popular by books such as Life Extension and Smart Drugs & Nutrients. As a source of choline, it has a proven effect of increasing acetylcholine levels in the brain, which can generate significant improvements in memory formations.

It is often stacked with Piracetam or Aniracetam. User reviews say that it offers enhanced concentration, energy and mood without the typical negative side effects of a stimulant.

These days, it is viewed as having moderate benefits that can be improved by taking Centrophenoxine instead.

If you are still interested, anyone considering using DMAE as a nootropic supplement should speak to a physician first to ensure that the supplement is correct for them, that they are fully aware of all of the risks associated with using the substance and that they are taking the correct dosage for their age, weight and level of health.

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