What Is DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) Bitartrate?
DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) bitartrate is a naturally occurring chemical found within the brain and other areas of the human body. It is responsible for a number of different reactions, such as those creating acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in nerve cell communication. It is sold in a range of other dietary supplements, such as those for weight loss, body building, and athletic performance support, among others. As it can play a role in mental focus, it has also been used for the treatment of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) autism, and tardive dyskinesia, which is a movement disorder.
How Is DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) Bitartrate Used for Weight Loss?
DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) bitartrate is becoming increasingly well known for its effects in the areas of memory and mood. Some use it to enhance their intelligence and ability to think. Others use it to improve their oxygen efficiency, physical energy levels, athletic performance and muscle reflexes.
DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) Bitartrate Research and Studies
A growing amount of research has focused on the impact of DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) bitartrate within the body. While many feel it is effective on its own, studies have indicated that when used in combination with other substances such as Siberian ginseng, its benefits can be even greater. This is particularly true of the focus applied to improving exercise performance.
One such study, published in the European Journal of Medical Research, indicated in its results that DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) bitartrate showed measurable improvements in the feelings and emotional states of the participants as seen on an electron encephalogram (EEG) scan. When used in the right amounts in high quality weight management supplements, this ingredient is meant to help support a dieter’s mood and, therefore, improve motivation to keep up with healthy eating and exercising. A more motivated individual may be more likely to improve his or her efforts toward positive weight management goals.
Another study, published in the Clinical Therapeutics journal, involved a double-blind randomized crossover where the participants were all healthy male sports teachers between the ages of 21 and 47 years. They used DMAE capsules in combination with ginseng as well as some vitamins and minerals and their results were notably better than those seen in the placebo group. Those that took the supplements were able to perform better on treadmill-based exercise tests. They were more able to boost their workloads than those who took the placebos. Moreover, their oxygen consumption was far more efficient. According to the researchers, this indicated that the difference made by the DMAE and ginseng supplement allowed the participants “significantly greater” workload and oxygen consumption efficiency than the placebo group. This suggests that it may be very helpful in workout performance, which could be very handy for people trying to manage their weight through diet and exercise.
Sources
Dimpfel, W., Wedekind, W., & Keplinger, I. (2003). Efficacy of dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE) containing vitamin-mineral drug combination on EEG patterns in the presence of different emotional states. European journal of medical research, 8(5), 183-191. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12844472
Pieralisi, G., Ripari, P., Vecchiet, L. (1991). Effects of a standardized ginseng extract combined with dimethylaminoethanol bitartrate, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements on physical performance during exercise. Clinical Therapeutics, 13(3):373-382. http://europepmc.org/abstract/med/1954639
Is it Safe to Use?
DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) bitartrate can be safely used in weight loss pills and other supplements for most healthy people when taken appropriately by mouth or when applied to the skin. This is the case as long as it is used over the short-term.
The majority of people won’t experience side effects from using this ingredient. That said, when taken orally, there is the potential DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) bitartrate to cause certain unwanted effects. These can include constipation, diarrhea, headache, insomnia, drowsiness, itching, vivid dreams, difficulty moving arms and legs, confusion, depression, changes in mood, raised blood pressure, or an increase in symptoms of schizophrenia.
Warnings
Though healthy adults can often comfortably take this ingredient, it is not appropriate for use by people who have certain medical conditions. These include, but may not be limited to, the following:
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding – It is unknown as to whether this ingredient can pass from the mother to the child through pregnancy or breastmilk. Therefore, in these cases, it is advised that this ingredient not be used.
- Clonic-tonic seizures – Individuals with clonic-tonic seizure disorders should not use this substance.
- Schizophrenia – This ingredient has the potential to worsen symptoms of this condition.
- Depression – Some depression sufferers may find that their symptoms worsen when they use this ingredient.
This ingredient can also interact with many types of medication and other supplements. Therefore, if you plan to take a diet pill containing DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) bitartrate while you are also using – or plan to use – other medications or supplements, it’s extremely important to first discuss your choice with a doctor or pharmacist.
