DMAE Supplement Usage, Effects, Reviews & Doses

DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol, sometimes called Deanol) is an organic compound that is naturally produced in the human brain as well as being found in food sources like fish (anchovies, salmon, and sardines).

As a nootropic supplement, it is closely related to Choline but due to a slightly different chemical structure it crosses the blood-brain barrier much more easily.

Many individuals interested in boosting their brainpower will take DMAE instead of Choline Bitartrate because it provides a more noticeable increase in cognitive abilities. Nowadays, more people use Centrophenoxine which is an enhanced version of DMAE with similar effects but greater potency.

DMAE is purported to have benefits for memory, focus, mental processing, attentional control and executive function. How exactly does it work and what is the best way to use this supplement to achieve the purported benefits?

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 Effects

DMAE and Choline are very similar except that DMAE only has 2 methyl molecules attached to its nitrogen molecule while Choline has 3. This means that DMAE readily crosses the blood-brain barrier while many forms of Choline have poor transportation across this barrier.

Once DMAE enters your brain cells, it is converted into Acetylcholine. This newly formed chemical is a powerful neurotransmitter that has a critical role in a number of different mental processes like memory formation and learning.

Acetylcholine is considered to be one of the most pivotal neurotransmitters for the formation of new connections between neurons and the plasticity of the brain.

As much as 90% of the general population is thought to be deficient in the nutrients needed to make Acetylcholine and this percentage may be even higher among critical population groups like elderly individuals. As such, taking Acetylcholine precursor supplements is often necessary to ensure optimal brain function.

DMAE is one of the best choices for boosting your levels of this neurotransmitter, which may help lead to enhanced memory, cognition, reasoning, focus, and learning skills. Centrophenoxine, which is synthesized from DMAE, is considered even better and has been studied as a treatment to repair brain damage as seen in Alzheimer’s patients and stroke survivors.

DMAE is also known to bind to phospholipids in the brain. In this capacity, a large amount of the supplement is actually incorporated into the nerve membranes present within the brain. It is also this type of action thought to be responsible for acting as an anti-oxidant along with helping to improve brain and neuronal health.

DMAE increases the fluidity and permeability of the nerve membranes, ensuring that they get necessary nutrients in and unwanted waste products out. Cell membrane fluidity declines as we age, but DMAE may be able to reverse or prevent this sign of aging from occurring.

DMAE Benefits

There are numerous benefits that have been associated with DMAE supplementation. This includes improved emotional states, greater energy levels, and alertness. This is perhaps due to the enhanced efficiency of nerve cells within the brain to communicate with one another.

Using DMAE has also been reported to cause sensations of calmness and a reduction in stress and anxiety levels. Successful studies found that DMAE actually had an anti-anxiety effect on students during exam times.

Many users also experience memory improvements when taking Deanol pills or powder. This is likely due to the increased levels of Acetylcholine which the supplement is known to produce.

This powerful neurotransmitter can increase the rate of memory formation in your brain, boost learning capacity and even lengthen attention span, focus, and concentration. There is evidence suggesting that this supplement may be helpful for people with cognitive impairments such as learning disabilities, age-related cognitive decline, or even attention-deficit disorder, however research is limited.

Another interesting and fairly unique use of DMAE is for inducing the state known as lucid dreaming. When lucid dreaming, you are aware that you are actually dreaming and can control the actions which happen within the dream itself.

This is noted for improving creativity, problem solving, associative thinking, and even mood. Many individuals engage in lucid dreaming for recreational purposes or purely for personal enjoyment. Others find it to be especially effective for training for athletic competitions or other tasks which require intense focus and concentration.

DMAE is also known to improve skin tone and firmness, in addition to offering a number of anti-aging benefits. DMAE is actually used in many different types of skin care products. It will help your skin to look younger and free of blemishes while reducing inflammation.

One of the ways this is thought to work is by slowing down the production of arachidonic acid, which is one of the main chemicals that leads to wrinkles and other signs of aging of the skin.

Research on DMAE is promising, but limited, and more studies are still needed. At this time, DMAE is available as a health supplement only, and the FDA has not approved DMAE as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.

DMAE for ADHD Treatment

In the 1970s, DMAE was sold under the trade name Deaner by Riker Laboratories as a prescription pharmaceutical in Europe.

Deaner was initially investigated as a drug for the treatment of ADHD in children. It was found to improve behavioural conditions in children and to have benefits for hyperactivity. However, studies on its effects for ADHD treatment have yielded mixed results.

In 1975, one study examined the effects of this supplement on 74 children diagnosed with learning disabilities and hyperactivity. The group was treated for three months with either a placebo, 500 mg of DMAE, or 40 mg of the ADHD drug Ritalin (methylphenidate).

Children given either DMAE or Ritalin experienced improvements in tests of concentration and skills, while those given the placebo saw no improvements. This suggested that DMAE could be used as a safer alternative to treatment with stimulants like Ritalin.

In 1976, a double-blind placebo controlled study examined the effects of giving 500 mg oral DMAE dosages to children with hyperactivity. While these children were not diagnosed with ADHD at the time, it is likely that they would qualify under modern diagnosing guidelines.

The children were given 300 mg of this product in the morning and 200 mg at lunchtime and were observed for twelve weeks. Those given the treatment experienced greater behavioural improvements compared to those given the placebo.

Despite these positive results, two reviews of other clinical studies published in the 1970s found inconclusive results when giving DMAE to children with ADHD. Following this, there has been little further research into the effects of this supplement.

This is in part due to the fact that DMAE is no longer being sold as a prescription medication. When the costs of additional research became too high, its development was abandoned by Riker Laboratories.

Furthermore, because this compound is found naturally in fish, it would have proved difficult to patent in many markets around the world. As a result, it is still available today as a nutritional supplement, but has not been approved by the FDA for use in the treatment of ADHD, learning disabilities, behavioral problems or any other medical conditions.

DMAE Dosage

DMAE is used for a wide variety of purposes and in many different contexts. This also means that there will be a wide range of doses to consider. Proper dosage is dependent on many different factors, and it is always recommended that you speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplements.

For most people, this means starting off with a dose of around 150 mg per day. Of course, doses as high as 750 mg (and even more in some situations) have been used based on the desired effects and outcome.

In general, you will want to begin with the lowest effective dose. In most cases this will mean around the aforementioned 150 mg or so. Only increase this dose once you are sure about how it effects your body chemistry.

DMAE Side Effects

DMAE has been rated by the Natural Medicines database as Possibly Safe when orally and in reasonable doses. There are some contraindications, however.

People who have bipolar forms of depression, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and/or seizure disorders would not be good candidates for DMAE use. These individuals may see a worsening of side effects if they take this product.

Additionally, women who are pregnant or nursing should not use this supplement unless given approval by their doctor or another qualified medical professional.

DMAE may be teratogenic (potential to cause birth defects) when taken by women who have recently conceived. Ethanolamines may compete with choline for uptake and utilization in cells, potentially causing negative effects during fetal development.

The side effects that have been typically associated with DMAE include gastrointestinal distress, high blood pressure, irritability, confusion, drowsiness, moderate depression, and sometimes a strange body odor. The smell is usually similar to decaying fish and is a by-product of the choline break down.

This supplement may interfere with the effects of certain medications. It should not be taken by anyone using cholinergic or anti-cholinergic medications, unless directed to do so by your physician.

DMAE may also interact with Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) Inhibitors, which are medications that block the acetylcholinesterase enzyme from breaking down the neurotransmitter acetylcholine following its release from neurons.

Theoretically, the combination of this supplement with an AChE inhibitor could cause excessively high levels of acetylcholine to accumulnate in the brain, resulting in side effects. Use caution if you are taking medications the medications Aricept, Cognex, Exelon, Reminyl or Razadyne. Also consult with a doctor before combining DMAE with the supplements Galantamine or Huperzine A.

DMAE Review

DMAE is a nootropic supplement that is commonly used to promote brain function and memory. According to anecdotal user reviews, it is noted for increasing energy, attentiveness, concentration, and improving mood. As a precursor to Acetylcholine and a source of choline, it can contribute to increased synaptic plasticity and better brain cell maintenance.

There have been some clinical research studies on the effects of this dietary supplement, but more research is needed to evaluate its effectiveness for therapeutic use. Most of the evidence of the purported benefits currently comes from user testimonials and experience logs.

DMAE supplements may be effective for supporting memory function, especially when taken in conjunction with Piracetam or Noopept. If you are looking for something stronger with a more potent boost to focus and motivation, consider trying Centrophenoxine which is an enhanced version of DMAE.

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