Some studies have shown that DMAE can improve at ention span and decrease irritability in children af ected by
at ention deficit problems and hyperactivity disorders.4, In one study involving 74 children referred for treatment for
childhood hyperactivity, 500 mg of Deanol per day was shown to be as ef ective or bet er than the drug
methylphenidate with respect to improved learning capability and correction of behavior disorders.4
A 1988 survey by the Institute for Child Behavior in San Diego revealed that DMAE was the second most popular
supplement used by parents to help their children with autism, after vitamin B6 and magnesium, with two parents
indicating improvement for every one parent reporting a worsening of the condition from DMAE supplement use.1
2. Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
Several studies have tested the use of DMAE in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Overall, results do not show
an improvement in memory or cognitive function, but do suggest that it may reduce depression, irritability and
anxiety, and increase motivation-initiative.3,1,8
Dosage and Standardized Grade
1. Childhood At ention Deficit Disorder, Hyperactivity And Autism - 500 mg per day has been used in various studies,
but 100 mg once or twice per day can be used. DMAE’s ef ects generally develop slowly over a period of two to
four weeks.4,9
2. Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia - Doses up to 600 mg, three times per day, have been used without untoward
side ef ects.3 However, some patients have reported increased confusion and drowsiness in trials with Alzheimer’s
patients.10,11,12
3. General Wellness - Doses as low as 10 to 20 mg per day have been used to produce a pleasant degree of central
nervous system stimulation within 7-10 days. One study on medical students demonstrated greater daytime
energy, at entiveness, sounder sleep and bet er ability to concentrate than the placebo group, when given a daily
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Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
dosage of 10 mg for the first week and two, 10 mg tablets per day for the second week, after which the subjects
could modify their own dosage for a total of six consecutive weeks.13
Adverse Side Effects, Toxicity and Contraindications
DMAE can cause drowsiness and confusion in some Alzheimer’s patients. Other reported side ef ects include lucid
dreaming, depression and hypomania (moderate mania).10,11,12 As well, dull headache can occur when used in large
initial doses and continued over-dosage can produce insomnia and tenseness of the neck, jaw, legs, and other sites.
Thus, it is better to build up the dosage slowly over time.13 Studies on humans and animals do not reveal any
significant toxicity of DMAE.13
Epilepsy - DMAE may exacerbate epileptic seizure frequency.13
Drug-Nutrient Interactions
Anticholinergic Medications - DMAE has the potential to alter the action of drugs intended to increase acetylcholine
levels, such as atropine, benztropine, hyposcyamine, ipratropium, scopolamine, trihexyphenidyl and scopolamine.9
Pregnancy and Lactation
During pregnancy and lactation, the only supplements that are considered safe include standard prenatal
vitamin and mineral supplements. All other supplements or dose alterations may pose a threat to the
developing fetus and there is generally insuf icient evidence at this time to determine an absolute level of
safety for most dietary supplements other than a prenatal supplement. Any supplementation practices
beyond a prenatal supplement should involve the cooperation of the at ending physician (e.g., magnesium
and the treatment of preeclampsia.)
References: Pregnancy and Lactation
1. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements. Murray M. Prima Publishing 1998.
2. Reavley NM. The New Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Herbs. Evans and
Company Inc. 1998.
3. The Healing Power of Herbs (2nd edition). Murray M. Prima Publishing 1995.
4. Boon H and Smith M. Health Care Professional Training Program in Complementary Medicine.
Institute of Applied Complementary Medicine Inc. 1997.
1. Sahelian R. DMAE for brain health. Better Nutrition, Apr99;61(4):p32
2. Jope RS, Jenden DJ. Dimethylaminoethanol (deanol) metabolism in rat brain and its effect on acetylcholine synthesis. J Pharmacol Exp
Ther, Dec1979;211(3):472-9
3. Ferris SH, Sathananthan G, Gershon S, Clark C. Senile dementia: treatment with deanol. J Am Geriatr Soc, Jun1977;25(6):241-4
4. Lewis JA, Young R. Deanol and methylphenidate in minimal brain dysfunction. Clin Pharmacol Ther, May1975;17(5):534-40
5. Zahniser NR, Chou D, Hanin I. Is 2-dimethylaminoethanol (deanol) indeed a precursor of brain acetylcholine? A gas chromatographic
evaluation. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1977;200:545-59
6. Pfeiffer CC. Parasympathetic neurohumors. Possible precursors and effect on behavior. International Review of Neurobiology,
1959;1:195-244
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Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
7. Levin ED, Rose JE, Abood L. Effects of nicotinic demithylaminoethyl esters on working memory performance of rats in the radial-arm
maze. Pharmacol Biochem Behav, Jun-Jul1995;51(2-3):369-73
8. Fisman M, Mersky H, Helmes E. Double-blind trial of 2-dimethylaminoethanol in Alzheimer’s disease. Am J Psychiatry,
Jul1981;138(7):970-2
9. Dietary Supplement Information Bureau. www.intramedicine.com/DMAE
10. Fisman M, Mersky H, Helmes E. Double-blind trial of 2-dimethylaminoethanol in Alzheimer’s disease. Am J Psychiatry, 1981;138:970-2
11. Sergio W. Use of DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) in the induction of lucid dreams. Med Hypotheses, 1988;26:255-7
12. Casey DE. Mood alterations during deanol therapy. Psychopharmacology, 1979;62:187-91
13. Walker, Morton. Meical journalist report of innovative biologics: Forestalling the effects of aging with Dimethylaminoethanol. Townsend
Letters for Doctors & Patients; 11/01/1990;8:752-6
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Meschino Health Comprehensive Guide to Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
Accessory Nutrients and Essential Oils
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) (Fish Oil) (See also EPA)
General Features
DHA is an omega-3 fat y acid that is found in fish oil along with EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid). Unlike EPA, DHA does
not directly participate in the formation of prostaglandins or eicosanoids (hormone-like substances produced by local
tissue). However, DHA can be converted to EPA, which is the immediate precursor of prostaglandin series-3. It also
appears that unlike EPA, DHA may not reduce platelet clot ing behaviour.1,2,3
DHA is one of the most abundant fatty acids in the brain, where it is required for normal growth and development of the
brain, nervous system and retina. DHA is essential for normal visual and neurological development in infants.4,5
Double-blind evidence links DHA supplementation in premature infants to better brain functioning.6
DHA has been shown to reduce levels of blood triglycerides.1
Supplementation Studies and Clinical Applications