DMAE Supplements

Along with various other natural remedies, DMAE supplements have been in use for several decades. The rise in popularity of these supplements raises the question of what exactly is their effect on the brain and are there any potential side effects.

DMAE supplements contain the substance dimethylaminoethanol. This substance has been in use for quite some time and there have been several studies done on its effect on the body in the last several decades. It has been used for some time in Europe, but has become more popular in the US.

Much of the earlier research done on DMAE Supplements was focused on testing its effect on memory, particularly in patients suffering from Alzheimer's and other severe forms of dementia. The results were not supportive of it helping memory directly, but there were other benefits to the brain that were noted.

The substance did seem to have an effect on mood, focus and alertness/clarity of thought. Some more recent studies directed at these findings further support the conclusions. In fact several patients where tested as to mood and alertness both through self-assessed questionnaires and EEG testing which both found positive results. The questionnaires noted improvement in mood while the EEG noted that the measuring of brain waves after several weeks of taking DMAE showed that the users were more alert and had greater brain activity then when they were measured prior to taking the supplements.

These tests demonstrate that DMAE is a positive brain supplement when used to improve mood and help increase alertness and focus. That said, the question remains...are there any DMAE side effects?

Researches have noted that there can be some negative effects from using DMAE. However, many of the DMAE side effects came as a result of using higher than recommended doses. For those who follow the instructions on the supplements they use there should not be any effects unless you are one of those rare individuals who is sensitive at lower levels of DMAE.

The DMAE side effects most noted included headaches, muscle tension, anxiety/overstimulation and insomnia. Again, most of this was through overuse of the supplement. Most people experiencing these symptoms found that all they had to do was decrease their dosage and the symptoms went away. In the case of insomnia, some people also found that it was better to take their DMAE supplements earlier in the day. Since one of the effects of the supplement is to increase alertness, taking it too close to bed may counter the ability of the brain to enter into sleep.

Most people taking DMAE in proper dosages have not noted any negative side effects. The supplement seems to be safe and effective when used correctly. As with any supplement usage, it is important to use it correctly and to get professional, medical advice when considering any supplement to ensure there are no interactions with any medicines you are taking or that any other health factors you have will not be problematic while on a supplement.

That said, products containing DMAE and other brain nutrients, may offer a good range of positive benefits to the mind. Using DMAE in combination with other natural substances like Ginkgo, Ginseng and Passion Flower may help give your mind increased function and protection from the effects of age related decline.

One product that we've found that contains all of these nutrients is Neuro Natural Memory from the Xtend-Life Natural Products company. We've been using Xtend-Life products ourselves now after extensive research.