DMG, Dimethylglycine supplement health benefit information by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

If you find the field of mind-boosting pills, sex nutrients, and anti-aging interesting, you will certainly want to learn more about DMG (dimethylglycine), TMG (trimethylglycine), and methyl donors. Unless your major is college was chemistry, chances are you don’t remember learning about DMG or methyl donors. A methyl donor is simply any substance that can transfer a methyl group [a carbon atom attached to three hydrogen atoms (CH3)] to another substance. Methylation is a biochemical process that is essential to life, health, and regeneration of body cells. Vitamins, hormones, neurotransmitters, enzymes, nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), and antibodies depend on the transfer of methyl groups to complete their synthesis. Scientists suspect that proper methylation of DNA may prevent the expression of harmful genes, such as cancer genes. It’s quite likely that our body’s ability to methylate declines with age, contributing to the aging process, and therefore supplementation may well be beneficial. The research in this area is still very early and no firm answers are yet available.

DMG, or N, N-dimethylglycine, is a nutrient common to many grains and meat. DMG has been found to support the immune response.

Serving Size 1 Tablet
DMG - 100 mg
   (N,N-Dimethylglycine HCI)  

Suggested Use:  1 to 2 DMG tablets daily, or as recommended by your health care professional.

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

Mind Power Rx is an effective cognitive formula. It combines a delicate balance of brain circulation agents and neurotransmitter precursors with powerful natural brain chemicals that support:

Memory
Mental clarity
Concentration 
Alertness and Focus

The herbs in Mind Power Rx include: Ashwagandha, Bacopa, Fo-Ti, Ginkgo biloba extract, Ginseng, Mucuna pruriens, Reishi, and Rhodiola.  The nutrients and vitamins in Mind Power Rx include Acetyl-l-carnitine, Carnitine nutrient, Carnosine, Choline, DMAE, Inositol, Methylcobalamin, Pantothenic acid, Trimethylglycine, Tyrosine, and Vinpocetine. Mind Power Rx has TMG, but not DMG. Mind power Rx does not have Galantamine or the club moss extract Huperzine A.
 

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Passion Rx is an herbal supplement that supports healthy stamina, sensation, and sexuality in men and women, along with satisfying erections and orgasms/climaxes. In recent years science has made breakthroughs in the understanding of sexual dysfunction. But, for hundreds of years, civilizations around the world have known about locally grown herbs that achieve wonderful results with far fewer side effects than prescription drugs. Now, renowned physician and herbal expert Dr. Ray Sahelian, M.D., author of Natural Sex Boosters, has discovered a combination of exotic herbs from the Amazon jungle, India, China, Malaysia, and Africa, that support healthy desire and performance, as well as to simply enhance sexual pleasure. Passion Rx provides a natural solution for those looking for a passion boost. The potent herbal extracts in Passion Rx include ashwagandha, catuaba, cnidium monnieri, coleus forskohlii, damiana, horny goat weed sex enhancer, maca, mucuna pruriens, muira puama, passion flower, pfaffia paniculata, rhodiola, shilajit, tribulus terrestris, and tongkat ali.

The Chemistry of DMG and Methyl Donors
DMG (dimethylglycine) is basically the amino acid glycine attached to two methyl groups. DMG is a normal physiologically active nutrient found in low levels in such foods as cereal grains, liver, and beans. Humans also naturally produce DMG in small amounts. As a nutritional supplement, DMG acts as a building block for the synthesis of many important substances such as choline, SAM-e, the amino acid methionine, several hormones, neurotransmitters, and DNA.
   TMG (trimethylglycine), also known as betaine, is basically the amino acid glycine attached to three methyl groups. Simply, TMG has one more methyl group than DMG.

DMG and seizures
Q. My vet has prescribed DMG 100 to 125 mg for my dog who has had seizures in the past. I don't see anywhere on your site where DMG is mentioned for dogs or seizures. Is there any research to show that DMG helps with seizures?
   A. One study in humans n 1989 did not show any benefits.

N,N dimethylglycine and epilepsy.
Epilepsia. 1989 Jan-Feb. Gascon G, Patterson B, Yearwood K, Slotnick H. Department of Neuroscience, University of North Dakota School of Medicine, Fargo.
Nineteen institutionalized patients with frequent seizures (group average two to three per day; seizure types--generalized, akinetic / myoclonic), were treated randomly with either placebo or N,N dimethylglycine DMG for 28 days. Dosage was 300 mg/day for the first 14 days and then 600 mg/day. No differences in seizure frequency were noted between placebo and DMG or between baseline and test conditions. 

DMG Research studies
DMG Dimethylglycine supplementation does not affect plasma homocysteine concentrations in pre-dialysis chronic renal failure patients.
 Clin Biochem. 2004 Nov;37(11):974-6.
To determine whether daily dimethylglycine (DMG) supplementation affects plasma homocysteine concentrations. A randomized, blinded, crossover design was used. Seven pre-dialysis chronic renal failure patients consumed 400 mg of DMG or placebo daily for 28 days. Fasting blood samples and 12-h urine samples were collected at baseline and at the end of each treatment period for analysis. No significant differences were observed in plasma homocysteine, glycine betaine and methionine concentrations between DMG and placebo treatments. Daily supplementation with DMG does not affect plasma homocysteine.

The effect of short-term dimethylglycine (DMG) treatment on oxygen consumption in cytochrome oxidase deficiency: a double-blind randomized crossover clinical trial.
J Pediatr. 2003 Jan;142(1):62-6.
To study the effectiveness of dimethylglycine (DMG) on oxygen consumption (VO(2)) in children with Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean cytochrome-c oxidase (SLSJ-COX) deficiency. In a crossover randomized double-blind clinical trial, 5 children with SLSJ-COX deficiency, who were stable and old enough to comply with VO(2) measurement, were treated with placebo or DMG for 3 days, and with the alternate treatment after a 2-week washout period. Dietary caloric intake was calculated for 3 days before each measurement. Mean caloric intakes per day were 1562 and 1342 kcal x m(-2) before and during placebo, 1,336 and 1,380 before and during DMG, respectively. DMG was well tolerated and, in all cases, resulted in markedly increased blood DMG levels. Mean VO(2) was lower after administration of either DMG or placebo, but neither difference was statistically significant. There was no detectable effect of DMG treatment on blood levels of lactate, pyruvate, bicarbonate, or pH. This study suggests that treatment with DMG does not substantially change VO(2) in children with SLSJ-COX deficiency.

DIMETHYLGLYCINE ( DMG ) is an anti-stress nutrient with antioxidant properties. Recently, studies have implicated the generation of oxygen-derived free radicals and lipid peroxidation as one of the mechanisms in the pathogenesis of gastric ulcer. The results suggest that the gastroprotective effect of DMG could be mediated by its free radical scavenging activity and cytoprotection of gastric mucosa

DMG supplement emails
Q. I am wondering which has the more benefits as far as energy go, DMG or TMG? Also, are they to be taken with food or without for max benefits?
   A. DMG is usually available under the tongue and works quicker. They both can be taken with or without food. TMG usually provides more energy but each person is unique in their response.

Q. After reading your very interesting material about TMG and DMG supplements, I was curious as to whether bi-polars (manic depressives) should be taking this if they take Lithium. I am not BP, but I was just curious generally since generally they suffer manic (upper episodes) Lithium seems to level them out.
   A. Those on Lithium who are bipolar should be cautious in using DMG or TMG since they may lead to overstimulation and potentially lead to mania.

Q.  I tried 250 mg of DMG (sublingual) and didn't feel any effect on my mood whatsoever: does it take a few days to work?
   A. Each person is different on the required DMG dosage and how quickly they respond. Also, some people respond to one supplement while others respond to another, it is impossible to predict. Sometimes it takes a few days to notice an effect.

Q. A friend gave me a few foils of DMG spills while I was in the mountains 9200 feet and she said it was good for altitude sickness. It did cut back on the headaches. I am trying to find out about this supplement. the foil has no brand name just DMG on it lot # 39056 she said you can get DMG supplements at any health food store. If it helped altitude headaches would it help migraines?
   A. We are not aware of studies regarding the role of DMG supplements on altitude sickness or migraine. If your doctor approves, it may be worth a try.

Q. I am a supplement buyer for a natural foods store in Delaware. I have taken a sublingual form of DMG is that the best way to absorb it? Like B12? Is it even absorbable in capsule or tablet form. Is there a good source for information as to the best form of supplements and how to best take them?
   A. There is very little human research done with DMG supplements and therefore it is difficult to know the best way to absorb DMG. It does appear that sublingual DMG works well and for the time being this is a good option.