N; N-Dimethylglycine HCl
Also known as: N,N-Dimethylglycine HCl, dimethylglycine, N-methylsarcosine, dimethylaminoacetic acid, N,N-Dimethylglycine hydrochloride
Overview
N,N-Dimethylglycine hydrochloride (DMG HCl) is an amino acid derivative, specifically of glycine, and is naturally produced in the body as an intermediate in choline metabolism. It is also found in small amounts in various foods. As a dietary supplement, DMG is marketed for its purported benefits in immune system support, enhancement of physical performance, and improvement of neurological conditions, including autism spectrum disorders. It is a water-soluble compound, often administered as the hydrochloride salt to improve stability and absorption. While some preclinical studies suggest potential benefits, particularly in anti-inflammatory and skin regenerative effects, the overall quality of evidence from human clinical trials is mixed, with many studies showing inconsistent or no significant benefits.
Benefits
DMG has shown promising anti-inflammatory and skin regenerative effects in preclinical settings. A 2023 in vitro study demonstrated that DMG sodium salt promoted human keratinocyte proliferation and migration, and exhibited robust anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in dermatitis models, suggesting potential for skin health applications. However, this is preclinical data, and human clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits. For physical performance, animal and equine studies indicate that DMG might reduce blood lactate levels during strenuous exercise, potentially improving endurance and recovery. However, human data are sparse and largely inconclusive, with no strong evidence to support these claims in humans. In neurological conditions, particularly autism spectrum disorder, a systematic review found no significant benefit of DMG supplementation over placebo in behavioral or neurological assessments. Similarly, a 12-month double-blind randomized controlled trial in patients with multiple sclerosis found no significant clinical improvement in disability, fatigue, cognitive performance, or gait parameters compared to placebo. Therefore, while preclinical data are intriguing for skin health, evidence for other benefits in humans is currently lacking or negative.
How it works
N,N-Dimethylglycine (DMG) is believed to exert its effects through several biological pathways. It may function as a methyl donor in various metabolic processes, contributing to cellular methylation reactions. DMG is also proposed to influence immune modulation and antioxidant activity. In the context of physical performance, it is hypothesized to enhance oxygen utilization and reduce the accumulation of lactic acid during strenuous exercise, although the precise mechanisms are not fully elucidated in humans. For skin health, preclinical research suggests that DMG interacts with keratinocytes, promoting their proliferation and migration, and modulating inflammatory responses by affecting growth factors and inflammatory mediators. The exact molecular targets are not yet fully understood, but its role in cellular metabolism and anti-inflammatory pathways is a key area of investigation. DMG HCl is water-soluble and readily absorbed orally, but its specific pharmacokinetics in humans are not well characterized.
Side effects
N,N-Dimethylglycine (DMG) is generally considered well-tolerated, with a safety profile comparable to placebo in clinical trials. No common side effects (occurring in more than 5% of users) have been consistently reported in human studies. Similarly, uncommon (1-5%) and rare (<1%) side effects are not well documented in the literature. There are no well-established drug interactions associated with DMG supplementation. Furthermore, no specific contraindications have been identified for its use. However, it is important to note that the safety of DMG in special populations, such as pregnant or lactating women and pediatric populations, has not been thoroughly studied. While generally regarded as safe at typical supplemental doses, comprehensive safety data for long-term use or higher dosages are limited.
Dosage
Due to the lack of clear efficacy data, a minimum effective dose for N,N-Dimethylglycine (DMG) has not been established. Human dosage recommendations vary widely, with common supplemental doses often around 750 mg per day, but clinical efficacy at these doses remains unproven. Animal studies have utilized dosages of approximately 1.6 mg/kg, but direct translation to humans is not straightforward. A maximum safe dose for DMG has not been well defined, though it is generally considered safe at typical supplemental levels. There are no specific timing considerations supported by evidence for DMG supplementation. Oral DMG HCl is the most common form available, and its water solubility facilitates absorption. No specific cofactors are known to be required for its absorption or efficacy. For topical applications, which are currently under investigation for skin benefits, specific dosage and formulation guidelines are still being developed.
FAQs
Is DMG effective for autism?
Current systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials indicate no significant benefit of DMG over placebo in improving symptoms or behavioral assessments in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Does DMG improve athletic performance?
While animal and equine studies suggest potential benefits like reduced blood lactate, human evidence for DMG improving athletic performance is lacking or inconclusive, requiring more robust research.
Is DMG safe?
Clinical trials report that DMG has a safety profile similar to placebo, with no major adverse effects consistently observed. It is generally considered well-tolerated at typical supplemental doses.
Can DMG help skin conditions?
Preclinical in vitro data show DMG's potential for anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects on human skin cells, but clinical trials are needed to confirm these benefits for skin conditions in humans.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10379135/ – This in vitro study investigated N,N-dimethylglycine sodium salt, demonstrating its ability to promote human keratinocyte proliferation and migration. It also exhibited significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in dermatitis models, suggesting potential for skin regenerative applications, though human clinical data are still needed.
- https://oro.open.ac.uk/49959/9/49959.pdf – This systematic review evaluated the efficacy of N,N-dimethylglycine (DMG) for autism spectrum disorder. It concluded that there is no significant evidence to support the use of DMG over placebo for improving behavioral or neurological outcomes in children with autism, highlighting the need for more rigorous research.
- https://info.vetriscience.com/white_papers/DMG_Townsend%20letter_2000.pdf – This source discusses animal studies, particularly in horses and rabbits, suggesting that N,N-dimethylglycine (DMG) may help reduce blood lactate levels and improve exercise performance. While providing some mechanistic insights, it acknowledges the limited human data and the challenges in translating animal findings to human athletic performance.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8142643/ – This 12-month double-blind randomized controlled trial involving 30 patients with progressive multiple sclerosis investigated the effects of N,N-dimethylglycine (DMG). The study found no significant clinical improvements in disability, fatigue, cognitive performance, or gait parameters compared to placebo, indicating a lack of efficacy in this population.