DMAE is a dietary supplement that many people believe can positively affect mood, enhance memory, improve brain function, and may also help your skin health as you age.
Dimethylaminoethanol (commonly known as DMAE) is a naturally occurring compound in the body. It’s a dietary supplement that some believe can improve mental health and possibly brain function to help ward off conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
This was a prescription medication once sold to help with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism in children, as well as other memory and brain-related conditions. But it was pulled from the market in 1983 and is no longer available.
While there aren’t any recent clinical human studies on DMAE, older research and people who believe in DMAE say it may have benefits for several conditions, including:
- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Alzheimer’s disease
- dementia
- depression
- wrinkles and skin health
The clinical research on DMAE overall is quite old, in part because Deanol has been off the market for more than 40 years. This
Ach helps regulate many functions controlled by the brain, including REM sleep, muscle contractions, and pain responses.
DMAE’s impact on Ach production and beta-amyloid buildup may make it beneficial for brain health, especially as we age.
You may have heard it referred to as Deanol and many other names. It was once sold as a prescription drug for children with learning and behavioral problems under the name Deanol. It was withdrawn from the market in 1983 and is no longer available as a prescribed drug.
Today, DMAE is sold as a dietary supplement in capsule and powdered form. The dosing instructions vary by brand, so it’s important to follow package directions and to buy DMAE only from trusted sources.
It’s also found in fatty fish, such as salmon, sardines, and anchovies. There’s no specific data on the amount of DMAE found in fish. However, eating fatty fish is another way to include DMAE in your diet.
DMAE is available as a serum to use on the skin. It’s also an ingredient in some cosmetics and skin care products. It may be referred to by many other names.
There aren’t many studies about DMAE, and most of them are older.
However, there are a few
Since it hasn’t been studied in depth and most of the research is years — even decades old — you may take a cautious attitude.
Always make sure to talk with your healthcare team about any health concerns or possible alternative treatments, including using DMAE for any supposed health benefits.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), DMAE has been associated with several potential risks. These may include skin irritation, body odor, and other possible side effects.
It’s also
The benefits of taking DMAE haven’t been supported by modern research.
DMAE may have some benefits for skin, hyperactivity, mood, and memory. But before taking DMAE, make sure to consult your healthcare team before using DMAE or changing your health routine or any medications you’re currently taking.