Dimethylamino Ethanol (DMAE), a natural amino alcohol found, in small amounts, in the brain, is considered a precursor of choline necessary for the brain to make acetylcholine.
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter in healthy nerve signal conduction and function. As a supplement, DMAE works with gingko biloba and other “smart nutrients”.
DMAE is found in fish, salmon, and especially sardines. The human brain maintains a small amount of DMAE, which plays various crucial functions. DMAE protects the integrity of cell membranes, the deterioration of which can lead to premature aging.
DMAE comes in the form of creams, capsules, and liquid tablets.
More DMAE facts
DMAE is a mood elevator, counteracting depression and bad moods, and raising and improving cognitive functions like memory and concentration.
It may also treat autism, Alzheimer’s, ADHD, memory deficits, depression, and dementia. DMAE can even increase intelligence. These benefits result from DMAE’s role in manufacturing acetylcholine, a substance responsible for healthy mental functioning.
Physicians monitoring patients on DMAE have reported them to be more upbeat and exhibiting greater mental acuity. Those who regularly take DMAE have reported both sleeping more soundly and being more energetic when awake.
One DMAE benefits most promising benefits is that, by stopping the manufacture of arachidonic acid, which can lead to wrinkles and aging of the skin, DMAE promotes healthy skin. DMAE used to stop arachidonic acid production can be either taken internally as a nutritional supplement, or applied as a topical cream
DMAE: What to Watch Out For
While DMAE has no known toxicity, and is considered a very safe supplement, there is no RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) set for it. There are, however, some cautions for people with certain conditions.
Those with epilepsy or seizure disorders, bipolar depression, or Parkinson’s disease and pregnant or nursing women should not use DMAE without their doctors’ approval.
The rare side effects of DMAE include gastro-intestinal problems, body odor, drowsiness, confusion, high blood pressure, moderate depression, and persistent irritability.
Tips How to Buy A Quality DMAE Supplement
1. Always buy your nutritional supplements from pharmaceutical GMP compliant facilities, which comply with the strictest manufacturing standards. Because nutritional supplements production, in the U.S., has become largely unregulated, consumers of health products have only a 20% chance of buying products containing contains the actual ingredients stated on their labels, or worse yet, one that is not contaminated with harmful toxins. This is an industry wide issue, and should not be ignored if you want supplements that benefit your health, not impair it! Please read this article here for further information on this issue.
2. Acetylcholine production requires, in addition to DMAE, B Vitamins–Biotin, Folic Acid, and B6 among them. So those consumers desiring the cognitive boost often associated with DMAE nutrient should take these nutrients together as part of a comprehensive synergistic formula.
3. We advise those individuals wanting to use DMAE for its skin enhancing effects to take it with vitamin C, which by preventing the production of arachidonic acid, also helps, your skin and reduce the chances of its prematurely aging.
Because DMAE has acts synergistically with other nutrients, we believe one should look to take DMAE as part of a comprehensive, scientifically balanced formula, rather than as a stand-alone supplement. Doing so will, as the nutrients work together, maximize DMAE’s health benefits.
