DMAE | Dimethylaminoethanol

DMAE | Dimethylaminoethanol

Properties: DMAE is an organic compound, which naturally occurs in food products, particularly fish and other seafood. In the human organism it has a great impact on the synthesis of an important neurotransmitter – acetylcholine. Thanks to this neurotransmitter we are able to acquire new information and maintain concentration. More specifically, DMAE is a great substrate for acetylcholine production, since it crosses the blood-brain barrier easier than choline. On top of that, it has been proven that this compound indirectly intensifies the secretion of acetylcholine, mainly by redirecting the peripheral flow of choline towards the brain. Thus, DMAE is especially indispensable when the choline/acetylcholine demand increases in response to challenging life events such as new projects at work or important exams. It is also a good addition to other supplements designed to upregulate acetylcholine level.

However, the function of DMAE is not limited to intensification of one neurotransmitter production. Research evidence confirmed its beneficial impact on mood and stress resilience. Scientists suppose that this effect is related to DMAE’s influence on dopamine and serotonin production. Additionally, this compound has protective properties that address both the brain and the entire organism. By itself, it is a strong antioxidant. Therefore, it easily neutralizes free radicals. Furthermore, it decreases the level of an adversarial lipid metabolite – lipofuscin, which can damage the nerve cells and cause the formation of so-called “liver spots”. There are also studies that suggest an even wider range of effects that DMAE has on skin condition. In sum, if you care about the health of mind and skin, and you want to maintain them long into elderhood, you might want to consider DMAE supplementation.  

Note that in cosmetics DMAE is used because of its rejuvenating and anti-wrinkle effects. Simultaneously, it exhibits antioxidative properties. Thus, it neutralizes the free radicals and thereby slows down the aging of the skin. These effects combined improve the general skin appearance, restore its healthy look, improve tenderness and smoothness, and last but not least – reduce the amount of wrinkles. Additionally, it relaxes the facial muscles, which leads to the “lifting” effect. For all these reasons DMAE is commonly used in cosmetics dedicated to mature skin, with a firming and brightening effect. Additionally, it efficiently clears any skin discoloration (e.g. freckles, age spots) resulting from the deposition of lipofuscin in the cells.

Occurrence: DMAE can be found in food products. Seafood (e.g. calmars), sardines, anchovies and salmon are some of its richest sources.

Biochemistry: Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE; deanol) is an organic chemical compound that belongs to the group of amino alcohols (hydroxylamines). Chemically, it is a difunctional molecule, containing both a tertiary amine group and a primary alcohol group. The presence of these functional groups allows obtaining the appropriate derivatives: salts and esters. Due to the -OH group this chemical is highly water-soluble. Structurally, DMAE resembles choline a lot – it has only one extra methyl group. Choline contains three such groups, whereas DMAE – two. However, DMAE crosses the blood-brain barrier more efficiently. In the organism it serves two main functions. Firstly, it works as a precursor of acetylcholine – an excitatory neurotransmitter. Secondly, it is an indirect compound of phosphatidylcholine production – a phospholipid that constructs cellular membranes. Additionally, it has strong antioxidative properties. Thus, it protects the neurons and other body cells from the adversarial influence of free radicals.

Fun fact: DMAE helps to attain lucid dreaming. This compound stimulates and enhances awareness during the REM sleep phase. Moreover, it lowers general demand for sleep and increases the mind’s clarity upon awakening.