DMAE and Health
What is it and where does it come from?
It is a highly bioactive nutritional precursor to acetylcholine, a key neurotransmitter. DMAE is a naturally occurring metabolite that is produced in small quantities in the brain and can also be found in natural food sources such as anchovies, salmon and sardines.
DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) enhances mental function through the improvement of concentration, mental clarity and mental alertness. It is also a mild brain stimulant because it increases and sustains the energy levels in the brain. It also helps you reach a deeper nighttime sleep and therefore less time is needed to reach a rejuvenated state. DMAE helps to boost mental function through an increase in the levels of acetylcholine and choline, the brain's chemical messengers.
How It Works:
DMAE, once consumed, is transported to the liver where it is converted into choline through the process of metabolism. A small amount is then converted into acetylcholine, which is a brain transmitter. Through this process, DMAE increases the levels of these brain transmitters (neurotransmitters). This causes a boost in mental cognitive function and memory, it also has been shown to improve learning, increase intelligence and elevate mood.
Acetylcholine is also responsible for helping to conduct nerve impulses in the brain. Choline is also converted in the brain into phosphatidylcholine. This chemical rebuilds and protects existing cell membranes inside the brain. DMAE has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier faster than choline. Through this quicker travel, DMAE enhances cell protection and repair and helps our brains function better and create enhanced, positive behavioral changes in most people.
What are the benefits of DMAE:
It is believed that DMAE may also increase physical energy. Athletes and other active individuals are using DMAE more and more because of its ability to enhance these brain functions. The connection between the mind and muscles is a means to focus on form and reduce the risk of injury. So, when the mind is enhanced, it communicates better with the muscles to improve and refine function.
Due to DMAE's mild stimulating effect on the brain, athletes report that it is a good alternative for a quick lift instead of coffee. They also believe the stimulating effects last longer than they do with caffeine. DMAE used as a mild stimulant is also safer and healthier than caffeine.
Other Uses:
DMAE is being studied for use in aiding a movement disorder in Parkinson's patients. This disorder, called dyskenesis is caused by L-Dopa, which is administered to treat the effects of the disease. DMAE seems to counteract dyskenesis effectively and safely without interfering with the benefits of the therapy. DMAE is proving to reduce the effects of other disorders that involve involuntary movements. Two of these disorders being treated are blepharospasm (eyelid twitching) and benign essential tremors.
4. How much should be taken? Are there any side effects?
Clinical studies of DMAE have used up to 1,600 mg per day with no reports of side effects. For this reason, DMAE is believed to be relatively nontoxic. However, one study using higher intakes for Alzheimer's disease patients did report symptoms of drowsiness and confusion with the use of DMAE.*
For healthy adults looking to increase their mental alertness, you should start with 120 mg a day and then over a period of weeks gradually increase your uptake up to 400 mg to maximize the benefits. We recommend that you start with low doses of DMAE to assess your tolerance as it could lead to possible side effects. Possible side effect of lucid dreaming (in which the dreamer is conscious and in control of a dream) is suggested with DMAE use. Depression and hypomania (moderate symptoms of mania) have been reported as side effects of DMAE.
DISCLAIMER: All information, content, and data in this article are sole opinions and/or findings of the individual. The article is strictly for educational or entertainment purposes only and should not be used in any way, implemented or applied without consultation from a professional.