The smartest of the "smart nutrients"..

DMAE - or dimethylaminoethanol - is an amino alcohol which although only present in tiny amounts in your brain - has a huge impact on its power and function.  It is generally regarded as a precursor to choline, which is needed by your brain to produce the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. 

Neurotransmitters are vital for nerve signal transmission and healthy brain function.  The faster and more efficiently the neurotransmitters work in your brain the better - concentration and speed of reaction and thought depend upon it.

The dietary sources of DMAE..

DMAE is found in abundance in fish - especially salmon, sardines and pilchards.  The best sources are wild rather than farmed fish - Alaskan or Scottish wild salmon being particularly good.  The only problem is that wild salmon - fresh that is - is expensive and not that readily available.  Don't forget that tinned fish is a good source of nutrients like DMAE, as well as the Omega 3's - it may not be quite as delicious to eat but you'll have an endless supply in your cupboard.

Why is DMAE so "smart"?   

DMAE has been shown to cross the blood-brain barrier faster than choline - improving the rate of cell repair. The decline of cell membranes is likely to be one of the most important cause of aging.  So, it's these qualities that make DMAE such an important anti-aging supplement.

Taken as a maintenance supplement, it works in harmony with other “smart nutrients” like Ginkgo Biloba and L-Tyrosine or you can just take DMAE on its own. 

So what exactly will it do for you.. 

As well as eating lots of fish like salmon, DMAE can be taken as an oral supplement. Some of the benefits you can expect from DMAE:

• increase in mental focus and function
• reduction in age spots and wrinkles (applied topically as an anti-aging cream)
• lift in mood and positive feelings
• improvement in memory
• an aid to more restful sleep - but don't take it late at night

Where's the proof it works as a supplement..

Studies started in the early 1970's when DMAE was tested on a group of hyperactive children to improve focus.  The results were very positive showing a 70% improvement in intelligence and comprehension for many of the study group. 

Evidence doesn't just come from research.  In Europe DMAE has been combined with another chemical in a prescription drug used to treat Alzheimers, senility and memory loss.  Results from its use to date have been extremely good and sales have been high for the pharmaceutical company marketing the drug.  Anti-aging medication is a big market.  

It is difficult to see what the addition of a similar chemical achieved in the formulated drug.  It is quite likely that all the benefits the patients derived from the drug can be obtained from just taking DMAE alone as a supplement.  Speaking cynically, it may simply be that the reason DMAE has been used in this way is to boost drug sales. 

None the less - the use of DMAE and its success rate on real patients with challenging levels of brain malfunction - shows the effectiveness of DMAE as an anti-aging supplement.

What about RDA?

As far as the FDA or FSA are concerned, DMAE isn't a substance vital to the human body so there are no recommended daily allowances.  the most common dosages are 100mg and 300mg caplets available from specialist suppliers on the internet.  Taking around 300mg of DMAE per day seems to bring the most benefits.

You need to watch out for the actual level of DMAE in the caplet you choose.  Go for a reputable supplier who provides information on the level of DMAE clearly in their documentation.  You should also be given information on the other ingredients in the supplement eg binding agents or fillers to make the capsule.  Choose a supplier that lists these ingredients and where natural fillers and agents are preferred to chemical substances.

Are there any side effects? 

The higher the dose the more likely you are to get side effects with any drug or supplement.  Stick to the levels recommended by the supplier.  Most suppliers of DMAE recommend it is taken with water and earlier in the day rather than late at night. 

Taking the supplement late at night can result in restlessness and insomnia because of the mild "buzz" experienced by the brain.  Continued use should allow the body to adjust.  In most cases, people taking DMAE report absolutely no symptoms - only great benefits.