Imagine a supplement that could positively affect mood, enhance memory, improve brain function, help you age gracefully, and maybe even boost weight loss. Would you want it?
We know we would!
And there is one.
It's called dimethylaminoethanol—DMAE for short.
If you've never heard of it before or have and aren't so sure if it's a good investment, keep reading, and we'll cover everything you need to know. It could just be the secret to keeping your mind and body young.
What is DMAE?
Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) is a compound naturally produced in the body but also widely available in many species of cold-water fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and anchovies.
It possesses both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but the main reason why people love it is because it increases the production of acetylcholine—a key neurotransmitter in the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) branch of your nervous system that is responsible for things like smooth muscle contraction, dilating blood vessels, increasing bodily secretions, and slowing heart rate among other things.
Why Use It
Studies on the benefits of DMAE aren't easy to come by, but there are a few benefits that we know of that can explain some of the hype around DMAE.
Cognitive Health
Some research suggests that DMAE may help prevent the buildup of a substance called beta-amyloid in the brain. Excessive levels of beta-amyloid have been linked to age-related cognitive decline and memory loss.
As well, as a precursor to choline, which in turn allows the brain to optimize the production of acetylcholine, DMAE is thought to contribute to improvements in learning and memory 1.
Also, acetylcholine is found in neurons in the brain and plays a crucial part in cognitive processes. Depletion of acetylcholine is linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease.
Nervous System Function
Because DMAE helps to increase acetylcholine (Ach) levels in the brain, it plays a vital role in maintaining proper health and function of the nervous system. Acetylcholine is found in all motor neurons where it functions to stimulate muscle contraction.
From stomach and heart movements to blinking of the eyes and opening the mouth, all body movements involve this neurotransmitter's actions.
Skin Health
We're all looking for ways to make our skin look younger, but can DMAE be the key to younger, firmer-looking skin?
As a common ingredient in skincare and beauty products, DMAE may help to offset the effects of aging by reducing the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles under the eyes.
A randomized clinical study using 3% DMAE facial gel applied daily for 16 weeks found it was safe and effective for reducing forehead lines and fine wrinkles around the eyes, as well as improving lip shape and fullness and the overall appearance of aging skin 2.
Mood
There isn't a ton of evidence to support the link between DMAE and mood, but due to its ability to increase acetylcholine levels, it may help regulate mood.
Stimulation of nAChRs—one of the channel receptors that Ach signals through—can increase the release of glutamate, GABA, dopamine (DA), ACh, norepinephrine, and serotonin 3. Things like dopamine, GABA, and serotonin are important regulators of mood.
DMAE and Weight Loss: Does It Work?
When it comes to DMAE and weight loss, there is relatively little scientific research to go on.
However, where the link may lie is in DMAE's role in boosting levels of acetylcholine.
Many weight loss supplements on the market are loaded with caffeine, which works to increase metabolic rate. Not only is this practice unhealthy, but excessive caffeine intake can cause nervousness, insomnia, nausea, and increased blood pressure 4.
Choline, a member of the B-complex family, is naturally produced by the body and aids in fat burning.
As we mentioned before, choline is responsible for producing the neurotransmitter acetylcholine released in both the brain and at neuromuscular junctions.
A few studies show that choline plays a vital role in fat metabolism 4; basically, it breaks fat down for energy. This action has been linked to increased levels of satiety, which, in turn, may lead to reduced consumption of calories and more significant overall weight loss.
Despite some studies showing that choline, and potentially DMAE, may improve weight loss, there's not enough consistent evidence to label it as an effective weight loss supplement.
Risks Of Consuming DMAE
Because there is relatively little information available on DMAE and the safety and side effects, there's no concrete answer as to how safe it is.
However, there have been reports that DMAE consumption can trigger mild side effects like:
- Increased blood pressure
- Stomach upset
- Headaches
- Muscle tension
- Drowsiness
- Mental confusion
- Irritability
- Skin irritation
DMAE may have possible drug interactions and is generally contraindicated for people taking cholinesterase inhibitors (acetylcholinesterase inhibitors), anticholinergic medications, cholinergic medications, and anticoagulants.
If you are on any sort of medication, check with your healthcare practitioner before taking DMAE.
Concluding Thoughts
If you're looking for in-depth studies on the benefits of DMAE for weight loss, they're few and far between, and there's relatively little known about the role of DMAE in weight management programs.
But long story short, if you're hoping to lose weight or shed fat using DMAE, chances are it's not going to be anything worth writing home about. Instead, you'd be better to use something that's proven effective.
Something like a 100% natural formula using five powerful ingredients that burn fat faster, boost exercise performance, enhance muscle building, and accelerate recovery. Say hello to Burn Lab Pro.
