DMAE is an organic amino acid compound which is quite similar to choline(similar to B-vitamins) that is well known for brain/nervous system development. Let’s take a look at the hows, whats, wheres and whys of DMAE and how it effects our brains and bodies.
DMAE is found in fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and anchovies, but you better love those foods if you want to get enough DMAE to see its full effects. DMAE is a key ingredient in our “Healthy Brain and Focus” supplement, so that is a source I would of course recommend. DMAE is referred to by many as a “mind health compound” because it may be able to reduce chemicals that impair cognitive function with age. Plenty-o-research points to the idea that DMAE may increase acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter linked to memory. You don’t need to take a ton of DMAE to see solid benefits in cognition and mood. WORD TO THE WISE… It does interact with some medications, so it is best to check with pharmacist before starting to take DMAE or check with your doctor if she is up to speed on supplementation. My recommendation leans towards discussing it with both your physician and a pharmacist when discussing possible interactions.
COGNITIVE
One of its main functions is its effect on acetylcholine. The neurotransmitter activates muscles in the peripheral nervous system and supports cognitive brain functions through the central nervous system. Acetylcholine speeds up memory and learning and affects the brain’s ability to respond to injury. The chemical also supports REM sleep and engages sensory functions. Therefore, when a patient lacks acetylcholine, they may experience symptoms like weak muscles and fatigue. Since DMAE boosts acetylcholine, it seems to me it is related or responsible for these brain and muscle functions as well and it may produce a similar effect.
Research also claims that DMAE may have anti-aging effects. Acetylcholine is the main transmitter that affects learning and memory and DMAE helps stimulate acetylcholine production. Researchers hypothesize that it may act as an antioxidant to help reduce oxidative damage that can interfere with cognitive function.
It may help prevent or manage Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and other involuntary movement disorders. In addition, research claims that it may even have safe effects on children with behavioral or learning difficulties. It may be a safer and more natural alternative for these types of conditions, such as ADD. I would have to say that it is a stretch, given the current level of studies, to say DMAE would be a “go to” for ADD and such. That said, I have never seen evidence that it would harm children. Certainly something to discuss with a pediatric nutritionist or pediatrician.
MOOD
This just in… DMAE may be able to boost a person’s mood. One study in particular used a sample size of participants that experienced emotional disturbances and the researchers administered a vitamin-mineral “drug” with, primarily, appropriate doses of DMAE. At the end of the study, the participants experienced better moods after taking “the drug” and they were also more active. Based on these results, researchers claim that it may be an effective way to boost mood and wellbeing. This goes hand in hand with stimulation discussed in the next paragraph.
FATIGUE FIGHTER
It has been reported that some studies have shown DMAE as producing mild stimulant effects. Participants in a studies who use DMAE reported less fatigue during the day and less difficulty falling asleep at night. The type of stimulation that DMAE causes is much different from the stimulant effects that caffeine, amphetamines or other drugs produce. The difference is that DMAE does not cause a quick boost of energy followed by a crash. Instead, patients in the study reported continuous mild stimulation without any side effects or withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, depression or sleep disturbances. This “stimulation” seems to be closely related to the reported positive mood in the studies I have read.
SKIN
On a side note there has been studies done on DMAE creams that showed substantial evidence that in cream form it can help with skin health and appearance. This blog was written to point out the benefits of oral supplementation and up to this point I am not seeing a correlation between the use of DMAE cream and cognitive/mood benefits associated with the oral use.
Strictly opinion and not medical advice. Consult your doctor, pharmacist and/or nutritionist before starting/stopping any supplement or exercise program.
