What Is DMAE?

DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) is a compound sometimes used as an ingredient in lotions, creams, and other skincare products. It's also been studied for depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer's disease, autism, and tardive dyskinesia.

DMAE is made naturally in the body. It was the active ingredient in a prescription drug called Deaner (deanol p-acetamidobenzoate), marketed for children's learning and behavioral problems for over two decades. It was removed from the market in 1983 because there was not enough evidence that the drug was effective.

DMAE is now available as a dietary supplement.

This article discusses the potential uses of DMAE, its side effects, and precautions to be aware of if you try it.

Uses of DMAE

Currently, the effects of DMAE aren't scientifically well documented. There's not enough compelling research to recommend it for any condition.

Here's a peek at what we do know about the science behind its more common uses.

Cognitive Function

It's thought that DMAE may increase the production of acetylcholine, which helps transmit signals in the brain. Acetylcholine is crucial to brain functions like learning and memory, therefore, taking DMAE supplements may boost brain health by raising acetylcholine levels.

In a randomized controlled trial, 242 people with early-stage Alzheimer's disease took either a placebo (an ineffective substance for people in a control group) or an oral (taken by mouth) DMAE formulation called V0191 daily for 24 weeks. No significant difference in cognitive function was observed between the two groups after the study.

ADHD

Evidence that DMAE is beneficial for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is lacking, although a study on nutritional treatments conceded that it "probably has a small effect." There are no other recent trials showing that DMAE is useful for this condition.

Skin Health

DMAE skin-care products are marketed as antiaging, but research is very limited.

One study of people who used a 3% DMAE facial gel for 16 weeks concluded that DMAE may help improve firmness and decrease inflammation of the skin, which could improve the overall appearance of aging skin. Specifically, topical (on the skin) application of DMAE showed benefit for things like wrinkles, dark under-eye circles, and neck firmness, and these effects lasted for up to two weeks after the gel was discontinued.

Additional Uses

In addition to the potential health benefits listed above, some people use DMAE to support the following:

• Depression
• Athletic performance
• Tardive dyskinesia

There's no evidence that oral DMAE supplements are effective for any of these conditions.

What Are the Side Effects of DMAE?

It's important to be aware that consuming a supplement like DMAE may have potential side effects. These side effects may be common or severe.

Common Side Effects

Little is known about the safety of DMAE supplements. However, studies have shown that between 25% and 40% of patients who took DMAE for tardive dyskinesia experienced side effects such as:

• Stomach upset
• Drowsiness
• Body odor

When used topically, DMAE may cause skin irritation.

Severe Side Effects

DMAE may trigger serious cholinergic side effects (side effects due to an increased level of acetylcholine), including:

• Increased nasal and oral secretions
• Dyspnea, or shortness of breath
• Respiratory failure

DMAE may also increase the risk of seizures.

Precautions

DMAE should not be used in patients with the following conditions:

• Pregnancy, due to concerns that it may cause neural tube defects
• Lactation
• Schizophrenia
• Tonic-clonic seizures (previously known as grand mal) as it may increase the risk of seizures

Dosage: How Much DMAE Should I Take?

There is not enough scientific evidence to establish a safe or effective dose of DMAE.

There have been various doses used in scientific studies. For example, studies in people with involuntary movement disorders have used 400 to 6,000 milligrams (mg) of DMAE daily for up to four months. Doses of up to 1,200 mg per day seem to have a low risk of side effects.

Your safe and effective dose may depend on your age, gender, and medical history. Speak with your healthcare provider to get personalized advice.

What Happens If I Take Too Much DMAE?

Little is known about what effects high doses of DMAE may have on the body, although occupational exposure has been linked to heart and brain problems.

To be safe, stick to a dose recommended by your healthcare provider and discuss any worrisome side effects that may occur right away. If you believe you have taken too much, seek immediate medical attention.

Interactions

DMAE decreases the sedating effect of barbiturates, a class of drugs that may be used for seizures, migraines, or other conditions. Examples of drugs in this family are phenobarbital and butalbital.

Side effects of DMAE may be more likely if it's taken with other drugs that increase acetylcholine levels in the body (cholinergic medicines). These include:

• Pilocarpine
• Donepezil
• Galantamine
• Rivastigmine

Research from 2019 suggests these interactions may primarily be theoretical (existing only in theory, not in real life). Still, the best practice is always to discuss all prescription medications and herbal supplements you take with your healthcare provider before taking DMAE.

DMAE may also interact with drugs that block acetylcholine levels by making them less effective. Some examples of these anticholinergic medicines include:

• Diphenhydramine
• Oxybutynin
• Paroxetine
• Scopolamine
  

It is essential to carefully read a supplement's ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.

How to Store DMAE

DMAE should be stored according to the manufacturer's directions, typically in a cool, dry place. Keep away from children and pets. Discard after one year or as directed on the package.

Similar Supplements

Other popular supplements used either topically or orally for skin health include:

• Retinol
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
• Fish oil
• Argan oil
• Shea butter
• Green tea
• Resveratrol (a type of polyphenol, a plant compound)

Some other supplements that people may take to improve brain function, some with little evidence of benefit, include:

• Caffeine
• Glucose
• Tyrosine
• Beetroot juice
• Gingko
• Sage
  

Sources of DMAE & What to Look For

DMAE is made in the body. It is also found in certain foods and is available as a dietary supplement in health food stores, pharmacies, and online.

Food Sources of DMAE

DMAE is found in small quantities in fatty fish, such as anchovies, salmon, and sardines.

DMAE Supplements

DMAE is available as a supplement in many forms, including capsules, powders, creams, and serums.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends looking for a Supplement Facts label on your product. This label will contain vital information, including the amount of active ingredients per serving and other added ingredients (like fillers, binders, and flavorings).

Look for brands with current good manufacturing practices (cGMP). Also, look for a product with a seal of approval from a third-party organization that provides quality testing. These organizations include:

• USP
• ConsumerLab
• NSF

A seal of approval from one of these organizations does not guarantee the product's safety or effectiveness, however. Still, it ensures that the product tested and approved was properly manufactured, contains the ingredients listed on the label, and does not contain harmful levels of contaminants.

Summary

There isn't enough evidence to support using DMAE for any condition. If you're still considering trying it, follow guidelines provided by health experts to buy the best product for you.