DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol, Deanol, Deaner) has two methyl groups and is structurally similar to choline, which is a direct precursor to the synthesis of acetylcholine (ACh).
ACh is a crucial neurotransmitter that affects all aspects of life from memories to control of muscles. It is the connection that ACh is in to DMAE that drives the majority of the buzz surrounding the use of DMAE as an effective Nootropic.
However, it is evident it is true that DMAE is not an ingredient that is precursor to Acetylcholine as stated on a variety of websites for brain-optimization and nootropics. Many neurohackers have reported that supplementing their diet with the DMAE has been a huge help to their brains.
We’ll attempt to clarify some confusion as well as false information regarding the use of DMAE as a nootropic ingredient. If you’re looking to add the DMAE in the stack is logical, then it’s worth it.
DMAE assists:
- Neuroprotection. DMAE assists in eliminating the lipofuscin as well as free radicals from brain cells.
- Neurotransmitters. DMAE blocks the choline absorption by cells, thereby allowing more free Choline to enter your system. Additionally, DMAE increases the cholinergic receptors which can increase the utilization of Acetylcholine (ACh) in your brain.
- Mood. DMAE supplementation can improve mood and energy, while also influencing sleep patterns.
Table of Contents
What is DMAE used for?
DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol, Deanol, Deaner) is an amine naturally produced in small amounts in your brain. The high levels of DMAE can also be found in fish such as anchovies and Sardines.
Researchers have suggested the possibility that DMAE could boost the acetylcholine (ACh) levels in the brain through inhibiting the choline metabolic activity in the peripheral tissue.
By blocking the utilization of choline in other tissues (including the synthesis process into Acetylcholine), DMAE increases choline levels in the bloodstream.
When DMAE passes through over the brain-blood barrier it boosts the choline levels within the brain. Therefore, with higher levels of choline levels, you are likely to see higher levels of Acetylcholine (ACh).
However, research has revealed that this isn’t always what happens when the DMAE is introduced to the brain. In one study, the DMAE was quickly absorbed to the brain. However, when it reached synapses there was no change. Choline levels increased, however, they did not transform into Acetylcholine.
What’s the issue what’s going on here? We must first examine the process by which Acetylcholine (ACh) is made. ACh is produced in a single-step reaction that is catalyzed by the enzyme Choline Acetyltransferase (ChAT). The most efficient steps in ACh synthesizing are that choline is available as well as Acetyl coenzyme A (Acetyl-CoA).
The only other source of acetylcholine (ACh) is synthetization from phosphatidylcholine (PC) via phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT). And this ACh synthesis only happens in cholinergic receptors.
It appears it is the case that DMAE is not able to be converted into either the choline as well as ACh. The only method by which that DMAE increases the amount of choline is through blocking the metabolism of choline.
The reason the levels of choline increase in the brain after supplementation by the DMAE is due to the fact that choline is unable to make itself into Acetylcholine (ACh).
Why is it that certain neurohackers see a difference in improved focus, clarity of thinking as well as an antidepressant effect from the DMAE?
It is possible that DMAE triggers the cholinergic receptors to begin taking action. With more choline in the system due to DMAE the neuroreceptors could decide to create an extra ACh.
DMAE could be beneficial to people who suffer from the deficiency in choline within the brain. Studies have shown the the DMAE efficiency in brain is dependent on how healthy the system of cholinergic nerves within the brain.
As neurohackers, we are able to make more effective choices to boost the acetylcholine within the brain. Centrophenoxine which is a combination of DMAE and cCPA (parachlorphenoxyacetic acid) seems to boost acetylcholine in the brain much more efficiently than DMAE.
What is the DMAE Function within the brain?
DMAE improves brain health and function in a variety of ways. Two of them are notable.
- The DMAE compound is neuroprotector. Lipofuscin can be described as an cellular waste product that builds up within brain cells when we get older. It’s the same waste material that creates brown spots on the skin. Lipofuscin is found within your body’s cells including your eyes, brain the kidneys, liver the heart, adrenal glands, as well as nerve cell (neurons).
Neurohackers frequently report the fact that their supplementation by DMAE results in enhanced perception. This effect on vision could be due to the result of DMAE’s capability to remove the waste products like the lipofuscin out of cells which can affect vision.
The is the lipofuscin removal mechanism that is triggered through the DMAE has been demonstrated through animal research. Researchers employed centrophenoxine injections in 17-month-old female mice. The mice were injected every day for three months.
Researchers studied the changes that occur in pigment layers in the retinas in both the eyes in the mice. They found significant reduction in the pigment lipofuscin in the animals treated.
Centrophenoxine is broken down to DMAE when it is inside your body. It is DMA within this nootropic that gives you the the lipofuscin scavenger effects.
- DMAE improves the mood and attention. DMAE has been proven by neurohackers to enhance the quality of attention, vigilance and well-being as well as energy as well as reducing depressive symptoms.. A study conducted by German researchers could explain how the feeling of wellbeing comes from supplementing DMAE..
The double-blind placebo-controlled study included 80 subjects from the human population equally split between male and female. The study examined the brain’s electrical response when they were shown five videos lasting 7 minutes, with a three-minute pause for each.
The same procedure was carried out after six and twelve weeks of daily consumption in the form of the drug or a placebo. Subjects who took DMAE for three months showed substantially lower than theta as well as Alpha brainwaves.
The decrease in theta and alpha brain waves have been linked to an increase in alertness and focus. Subjects who used DMAE also were less active, and felt more relaxed..
Researchers concluded that DMAE could create a better sense of well-being.
As we age the brain’s chemical chemistry and metabolism of energy changes.
- Concentration, working memory and executive function decline
- Cholinergic receptors degenerate
- DMAE levels decline
- Lipofuscin and free radicals accumulate in brain cells.
All of these changes due to age can be affected by the decline in DMAE amounts. They are also contributing to neurodegenerative disorders as well as depressive disorders..
The DMAE levels are a natural result of ageing. They can also contribute to the development of degenerative diseases.
DMAE benefits
DMAE boosts the levels of choline in the brain. This rise in the levels of choline and DMAE’s capacity to trigger cholinergic receptors into actions could result in the increase of the acetylcholine (ACh) levels.
However, the molecule DMAE is not able to directly increase the acetylcholine concentrations in brain. The DMAE hormone is not an precursor to Acetylcholine. [xi]
The increased levels of ACh levels impact the memory and learning process. ACh aids in with the encode of memories as well as your capacity to focus. As neurohackers, we definitely would like to boost the acetylcholine levels. Particularly if our brains are deficient in ACh.
However, DMAE isn’t the most effective method to reach the desired goal of achieving elevated ACh level.
The research into the effects of DMAE is ongoing, and there could be some advantages from the DMAE supplementation that are not yet recognized by the neurohacking community or research group. [xii]
DMAE is utilized to treat a range of disorders ranging that range from cognitive disorders to ADHD. DMAE can also be found in products for skin care to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, age spots and wrinkles, as well as wrinkles and sagging the skin. [xiii]
Free radicals can cause harm to DNA, disrupt the metabolism of cells, and trigger the production of oxygen species which kill brain cells.[xivA few studies have discovered that DMAE is a fairly efficient free radical scavenger.[xv[xv]
DMAE has been proven to reduce the amount in “cross-linking” in proteins associated with diseases such as Alzheimer’s.[xviResearchers believe that this could be due to the effectiveness of DMAE as a free radical scavenger.[xvii[xvii]
The DMAE is believed to cause dreams that are lucid. [xviii]
DMAE Dopamine: Does it boost it?
Certain neurohackers have reported they have noticed that the DMAE supplementation can cause a significant increase in their ability to focus.
DMA users frequently have the following reports:
- improved memory (especially short-term memory)
- Mentally alert
- improved focus
- mental clarity
- better sleeping patterns
Injecting higher doses of than DMAE than is recommended is believed to cause you feel anxious and stressed. You may also experience muscle spasms, especially in your neck and shoulders.
DMAE Nootropic
Early DMAE Research
The prescription version of DMAE, known as Deaner also known as Deanol was used in clinical trials from the 1960’s and 1970’s. Deanol was prescribed to treat behavioral and learning issues that are that were caused by a decreased attention span.
Two clinical studies conducted more than 40 years ago that proved the effectiveness of DMAE to treat what’s today called ADHD are listed below.
However, in 1983 in 1983, the FDA in all their wisdom demanded additional studies to confirm the efficacy of DMAE. Because clinical trials were more expensive than the sales of products could afford the manufacturer, the company that made Deanol and Deaner removed them from the market.
DMAE can now be purchased as a supplement. A supplement which your psychiatrist or doctor will probably not prescribe to you to treat your ADHD.
DMAE to Treat ADHD
A double-blind, placebo-controlled research evaluated the effect on the brain of DMAE supplementation with the drug methylphenidate (Ritalin) to treat ADHD. Children diagnosed with learning difficulties and hyperactivity were referred to the study.
The children were given 40 milligrams of Ritalin 500 mg of DMAE as well as a placebo every day for three months. Reaction times, behavior as well as other tests for psychometrics were conducted prior to and following treatment.
Both of the ‘drugs’ were found to be effective in various tests. Researchers concluded that the supplementation of DMAE significantly enhanced performance for children suffering from behavior and learning problems.
Another study by Dr. Carl Pfeiffer of the Brain-Bio Center located in Princeton, New Jersey with 25 girls and 83 boys showed similar results when the use of DMAE to treat ADHD.
In this study the researcher Dr. Pfeiffer discovered that DMAE improved the behavior of 2/3 of males and 3/4 of the girls. Attention span improved as was hyperactivity and irritability. reduced, and scholastic performance increased and in some instances even IQ was boosted.
Also, If you’re ADHD and taking Ritalin as well as Adderall and are looking for a natural alternative you might want to consider DMAE.
DMAE use in Cosmetics
The majority of research conducted on the DMAE during the 1950’s and 1960’s was centered on the use of this compound to improve the brain’s health and cognitive function.
Recent research into the DMAE compound is mostly focused on the use of the ingredient in formulations for cosmetics for the skin.
DMAE has been proven to improve skin firmness, even in the midst of a young skin. A study of 30 healthy adults between the ages of 36 to 49, applied the DMAE gel or a placebo. The study’s results revealed that the skin treated with DMAE was more firm.
Another study that was randomized utilized 33 percent DMAE face gel applied every day over a period of 16 weeks. The gel helped reduce wrinkles and lines in the area of eyes and enhance the shape of the lips as well as fullness. Additionally, the results were not diminished even two weeks after discontinuing use.
A second open-label extension to the same study showed that the long-term use to DMAE gel was safe and had an excellent security profil.
DMAE Dosage
Dosage recommended for DMAE is between 100 and 200 mg daily.
DMAE nootropic supplements are typically advertised as bitartrate DMAE. One capsule of bitartrate DMAE is just 37 percent of DMAE and the remainder is 67 percent tartaric acid.
The 250 mg dose of bitartrate DMAE gives 92.5 mg of real DMAE..
You should take the dose of DMAE dose in the morning , either before or after breakfast. Take DMAE several times per each week however, not all day long.
DMAE Bitartrate Dosage
If you plan to take DMAE, make sure you combine it with a reliable source of Choline. Be aware that DMAE can inhibit the metabolism of choline as well as the choline. You absolutely require the choline as well as Acetylcholine to have a well-functioning brain.
DMAE inhibits phospholipid synthesis. This means that you won’t receive any help from the choline precursors. It is essential to find a reliable source of Choline.
Without going into an extensive explanation of the mechanism of the process Phosphatidylcholine (PC) as well as Omega-3’s and CDP-Choline can aid in repairing the harm that is caused from long-term DMAE usage.
DMAE Side Effects
DMA is considered to be non-toxic and suitable for short-term or intermittent usage. The body naturally produces DMAE by itself.
There shouldn’t be any adverse negative effects as long as you make use of the DMAE in the recommended dosages.
Certain neurohackers experience headaches, insomnia and tension in the muscles. Most often, it’s due to the dose being excessive.
If you experience an adverse reaction to DMAE, discontinue using DMAE immediately..
If you’re planning on getting pregnant, do not take the DMAE. Studies have proven that DMAE can hinder the development of the baby’s cerebral.
If you suffer from epilepsy or bipolar disorder, it is best to avoid DMAE completely.
Check out “DMAE Dosage Notes” on the best way you can combine DMAE in the event that you decide to add this nootropic.
Is DMAE Banned?
The ingredients in DMAE can help increase the production of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that stimulates muscles and other nerves, increases blood flow, and increases mental alertness.
DMAE is not banned as it’s been proven to be safe for human consumption.
DMAE is not banned. It is just that some people were using it as a weight loss supplement and there were no clinical studies to back this claim up.
DMAE is found in many skin creams and anti-wrinkle products because it helps with muscle contraction, but it is not a magic cure for wrinkles or weight loss. DMAE has been shown to be effective at reducing wrinkles but only when a person also follows a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
DMAE is not banned. It is FDA approved and not considered dangerous according to the FDA.
DMAE, or dimethylaminoethanol, has been used for many purposes over the years, but it has the most documented use as a topical treatment for wrinkles and age spots.
The FDA does not consider DMAE to be dangerous if it is used in accordance with approved labeling.
DMAE has been banned by specific countries but that does not mean that it is banned all around the world.
Where to buy DMAE
The DMAE is available as capsules, tablets powder, liquid Gels, creams and tablets.
DMAE capsules and tablets typically bitartrate DMAE (see ” Dosage Notes”) and 150-350 mg.
Based on the dimensions of the capsule or tablet, make the conversion to pure DMAE based on the size of the capsule or tablet Start slowly by taking a small dose of 50 mg. See how you react.