DMAE supplement and cream benefit and side effects by Ray Sahelian, M.D. for skin

DMAE supplement pill and cream benefit and side effects - research studies, latest information by Ray Sahelian, M.D. Used as brain enhancer and stimulant, cream promoted for wrinkle treatment

DMAE is known chemically as dimethyl-amino-ethanol. It has been known in Europe by the product name Deanol for more than three decades. It has two methyl groups and is chemically similar to choline. This supplement has been popular for many years in those interested in improving mental alertness and clarity of thinking. In recent years this nutrient has been promoted for skin health and DMAE cream products are now available without a prescription. It is not a vitamin since it can be made by the body, a vitamin is a substance that the body cannot make by itself and needs to obtain through food.
I like this supplement for occasional use if I want to feel mentally alert and focused. However, if I take more than one capsule it makes me edgy and tense, and I feel muscle spasms in my upper shoulders and neck. I prefer using a combination formula that has several nutrients in small amounts rather than a high dose of one nutrient. This supplement has been touted as an anti-aging nutrient but I have not seen any studies to confirm this claim. I like the effects from these pills, although I prefer using acetyl l carnitine or a combination formula called Mind Power Rx.

DMAE bitartrate 350 mg per pill, 60 Capsules provides 130 mg of actual DMAE

Suggested use: Take half or one DMAE capsule in the morning before or with breakfast a few times a week, not every day. If you wish to take half, just pull on each side of the capsule and pour half in water or juice. For better absorption, a lower amount a few minutes before breakfast or lunch should work well. You may need a higher dose if taken with food. If a particular DMAE supplement you are using is potent, then taking it with food would slow the absorption and reduce the risk for side effects.

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Mind Power Rx Formulated by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

This brain boosting formula combines a delicate balance of brain circulation agents and neurotransmitter precursors with powerful natural brain chemicals that support healthy:

Memory and Mood
Mental clarity
Concentration
Alertness and Focus

Why buy all the individual herbs and nutrients separately -- at great expense -- when you can buy this excellent combination? The herbs and nutrients in Mind Power Rx include Bacopa, Fo-Ti, Ginkgo biloba, Ginseng, Gotu kola, Reishi, and Rhodiola. The nutrients and vitamins in Mind Power Rx include Acetyl-l-Carnitine, carnitine, carnosine, choline, Inositol, vitamin B12, pantothenic acid, trimethylglycine, tyrosine, and vinpocetine.

Source Naturals - Skin Eternal Cream, Net Contents 120 ml (4 fl. oz.)
Source Naturals Skin Eternal Cream is a rich luxurious blend of nutrients and plant extracts. Skin Eternal Cream helps your skin feel supple and replenished without a lingering oily feeling. Source Naturals Skin Eternal Cream contains DMAE, Alpha-Lipoic acid, ascorbyl palmitate (C ester), coenzyme Q10, MSM and glycolic acid. It has the fresh, light scent of kiwi. Apply DMAE skin cream every other day. Excessive use of DMAE skin cream may cause redness of the skin.

Buy Skin Eternal DMAE cream by Source Naturals on sale

Split face study on the cutaneous tensile effect of 2-dimethylaminoethanol gel.
Skin Res Technol 2002 Aug.
The present 2-phase randomized double-blind split face study was designed to compare the effect of a gel containing 3% 2-dimethylaminoethanol (deanol, DMAE) with the same formulation without DMAE. In a first pilot study, sensorial assessments and measures of the skin distension under suction were performed in eight volunteers. In a second study conducted in 30 volunteers, shear wave propagation was measured. The formulation showed a significant effect characterized by increased shear wave velocity in the direction where the mechanical anisotropy of skin showed looseness. The formulation under investigation increased skin firmness.

I have seen a skin care product with DMAE and Alpha LIpoic Acid cream combinations and a dmae gel. Does the combination work better together for skin wrinkles?
There have been some studies that DMAE and alpha lipoic acid cream individually could reduce fine wrinkles, but a few more studies are needed before being more confident in the appropriate cream strength and how often to use them. I have not yet seen any good studies using the combination used together for human skin wrinkles.

Skin, wrinkles
A study shows DMAE cream is able to increase firmness of skin. Perhaps it has anti-wrinkle potential.

The role of dimethylaminoethanol in cosmetic dermatology.
Am J Clin Dermatol. 2005. Grossman R. Johnson and Johnson Consumer Products Worldwide, Skillman, NJ
Skincare formulations for the improvement of aging skin are increasingly important consumer products. Here, we review available data on one such agent - 2-dimethylaminoethanol or deanol - that has recently been evaluated in a placebo-controlled trial. DMAE is an analog of the B vitamin choline and is a precursor of acetylcholine. Although the role of acetylcholine as a neurotransmitter is well known, growing evidence points to acetylcholine as a ubiquitous cytokine-like molecule that regulates basic cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, locomotion, and secretion in a paracrine and autocrine fashion. Indeed, this modulatory role may contribute to the cutaneous activity of DMAE. In a randomized clinical study, 3% DMAE facial gel applied daily for 16 weeks has been shown to be safe and efficacious in the mitigation of forehead lines and periorbital fine wrinkles, and in improving lip shape and fullness and the overall appearance of aging skin. Conclusions: Thus, the benefits of DMAE in dermatology include a potential anti-inflammatory effect and a documented increase in skin firmness with possible improvement in underlying facial muscle tone. Studies are needed to evaluate its relative efficacy compared with other skin-care regimens (e.g., topical antioxidant creams, alpha-hydroxy acids).

Research for Alzheimer's, memory loss, age related mental decline
Studies with DMAE go back to the 1950s. One double blind, placebo-controlled trial performed in twenty-seven patients with severe Alzheimer's disease did not show significant benefits (Fisman 1981). Another study on twenty-one patients with memory deficits was also discouraging since no improvement was found in memory (Caffarra 1980). However, it was found helpful in patients with age related mental decline. DMAE was given for four weeks to fourteen older patients (Ferris 1977). Ten patients improved and four were unchanged. The patients on the supplement had reduced depression, less anxiety, and increased motivation, but they had no improvement in memory. The researchers say, "the results thus suggest that although DMAE may not improve memory, it may produce positive behavioral changes in some senile patients." Dementia is a term that is now substituted for senility and is sometimes used to denote a severe case of age related cognitive decline.
DMAE has been touted as an anti-aging nutrient but there have not been any human studies evaluating the claim that this substance slows aging.

DMAE positive effects - benefit and enhancement of mood and alertness
Most people notice being more alert and focused within a couple of hours. The benefit of alertness and focus can last most of the day. A few report a higher sense of wellbeing. DMAE is recommended to be taken in the early part of the day. I also like the mind boosting effect of Acetyl l-carnitine, but my favorite is a combination of several nutrients and herbs found in Mind Power Rx.

There are dozens of herbs and nutrients available in health food stores that influence mental function. One that has been popular for many years is DMAE, which stands for dimethyl-amino-ethanol. A recent German study evaluated the brain's electrical reaction during presentation of videoclips of 7 minute duration in 80 subjects with borderline emotional disturbance. The researchers recorded the different emotional states by having the subjects watch these film excerpts. Half of the subjects were then started on a daily dose and the testing was repeated after 6 and 12 weeks. The testing included showing the videoclips, filling out mood questionnaires, and also evaluating the brain's electrical reaction through EEGs (electrodes placed on the scalp that measure brain activity) . The results showed that those who took the DMAE daily had a decrease in theta and alpha1 brain electrical activity indicating that they were more alert. Furthermore, the questionnaires revealed that those on DMAE had a better mood. The researchers conclude, "DMAE can be interpreted to induce a psychophysiological state of better feeling of wellbeing on both levels of analysis mood and electrical pattern of brain activity in subjects suffering from borderline emotional disturbance."
Dr Sahelian says: Most people notice being more alert and focused within a couple of hours after taking a pill. This dietary supplement is available in dosages ranging from 100 to 400 mg. It is best to start with a low dose, such as 50 to 150 mg of actual DMAE since high doses can cause anxiety, restlessness, and muscle tenseness in the neck and shoulders. When taken late in the day it may cause insomnia.

Efficacy of dimethylaminoethanol containing vitamin-mineral drug combination on EEG patterns in the presence of different emotional states.
Dimpfel W. Forschung und Entwicklung, Linden, Germany. Eur J Med Res. 2003.
The psychophysiological model of provoking different emotional states by watching film excerpts with various emotional contents was used to characterize drug action in 80 subjects with threshold emotional disturbance within a randomized, group-parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Analyzing the brain's electrical reaction during presentation of 5 videoclips of 7 min duration followed by 3 minutes pause revealed a content specific representation of topographical frequency changes. This procedure was repeated after 6 and 12 weeks of daily intake of a vitamin-mineral drug combination containing dimethylaminoethanol or placebo. Subjects taking DMAE supplement for 3 months developed significant less theta and alpha1 power in sensomotoric areas of the cortex. Since decreases in theta and alpha1 electrical power have been associated with increased vigilance and attention, subjects taking DMAE combination obviously were more active and felt better. Therefore the vitamin-mineral combination containing DMAE can be interpreted to induce a psychophysiological state of better feeling of wellbeing on both levels of analysis mood and electrical pattern of brain activity in subjects suffering from borderline emotional disturbance.

Side effects, safety, caution, risk, danger
DMAE is available in varying dosages. It is best to start with a low dose, such as 50 to 150 mg of actual DMAE to avoid side effects. High doses can cause anxiety, restlessness, and muscle tenseness or stiffness in the neck, jaw, and shoulders. When taken late in the day it may cause insomnia or shallow sleep. Other adverse effects on high dosages include irritability, headache, and overstimulation. We have not seen any studies regarding it influence on blood pressure, but it is possible very high does could raise BP.

I get muscle tenseness in the neck when I take 2 tablets. Is this common?
I'm not sure why high doses cause this problem in the neck. But in my experience, low doses don't cause the neck muscle tenseness.

I've had a chronic problem with stiff neck and DMAE bitartrate made it worse.

Does it cause seizures?
I have not seen any specific human studies regarding its effect on epilepsy or seizure occurrence.

Product availability over the counter
This mind enhancer is usually sold as DMAE bitartrate. A 350 mg pill of DMAE bitartrate yields 130 mg of actual DMAE. It is also available as liquid. One product contains 35 mg per drop. Most users notice an effect from 50 to 150 mg of actual DMAE or 150 to 350 mg of the bitartrate.

Is liquid better that a oral supplement form?
DMAE in a capsule form is quite well absorbed, I don't see the need for liquid ingestion although some people may prefer this form.

What is DMAE serum?
I don't know what a company means by DMAE serum, perhaps they mean liquid? I think of the word serum having to do with blood.

Dr. Sahelian' s experience with this nutrient
Within two hours of taking 130 mg of actual DMAE, I notice a definite increase in alertness and slight mood and visual enhancement. I also get more motivated to work on projects and seem to work more efficiently. On higher amounts I have experienced neck stiffness and anxiety. I also like Acetyl-carnitine as a mind booster and Mind Power Rx, a combination formula.

Summary and review
DMAE can be helpful in the elderly who have cognitive decline. This nutrient can also be taken by an adult of any age who needs to be more focused and alert.

I have seen spellings as dimethylaminoethanol and dimethylamine. Which is right?
Dimethylaminoethanol is the correct spelling.

Testimonial
I gave my 12 year old daughter 50 mg of DMAE supplement each morning before school and it helped her grades tremendously, raising them from Bs to As, she dropped back to Bs when off the DMAE. I find this nutrient helps me stay focused and improves my short term memory and word recall.