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Dimethylglycine (DMG) is a derivative of glycine, the simplest of the amino acids. It is a non-protein amino acid found naturally in animal and plant cells. DMG is produced in cells as an intermediate in the metabolism of choline to glycine. It acts as a building block for many important substances, including the amino acid methionine, choline, a number of important hormones and neurotransmitters, and DNA.
There has been much confusion surrounding the history of DMG as a nutritional supplement. DMG appeared as a supplement in the 1960s under the names vitamin B15, pangamic acid and calcium pangamate. Calcium pangamate was originally a mixture of calcium gluconate and DMG. Calcium pangamate was intended as a delivery form of DMG. However, several products entered the supplement marketplace called pangamic acid or calcium pangamate, and these did not contain DMG. Some of these products contained, instead of DMG, a substance called diisopropylammonium dichloroacetate. At present, DMG supplements are available that do contain dimethylglycine.
DMG-containing calcium pangamate was popular with Russian athletes and cosmonauts because it was reputed to enhance oxygenation at the cellular level, reduce fatigue and enhance physical stamina. None of those claims, however, was ever substantiated. DMG is neither a vitamin nor an essential nutrient. DMG is also known as N, N-dimethylglycine, (dimethylamino) acetic acid and N-methylsarcosine.
DMG is a solid, water-soluble substance. DMG should not be confused with TMG (trimethylglycine or betaine). TMG is involved in the methylation of homocysteine to form methionine (see Trimethylglycine).
DMG is absorbed from the small intestine and from there transported by the portal circulation to the liver. DMG is metabolized in the liver to monomethylglycine or sarcosine which, in turn, is converted to glycine. Dimethylglycine dehydrogenase, a flavoprotein, is the enzyme that catalyzes the oxidative demethylation of DMG to sarcosine. The methyl group produced in this reaction returns to the one carbon pool at the level of N10-hydroxymethyl-tetrahydrofolic acid. DMG itself is formed from trimethylglycine or betaine. DMG that is not metabolized in the liver is transported by the circulatory system to various tissues in the body.
Taking supplemental DMG can have a wide range of possible beneficial effects, including helping the body maintain high energy levels and boosting mental acuity. DMG has been found to enhance the immune system and to reduce elevated blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It improves oxygen utilization by the body, helps to normalize the functioning of many important organs. It may also be useful for controlling epileptic seizures.
Sources
Aangamik DMG from FoodScience Laboratories is a good source of supplemental DMG.
DMG Supplement (N,N Dimethyl Glycine), NOW Foods, 125 mg, 100 Caps
Available from HerbalRemedies is another good source of supplemental DMG.
See other product links below Under DMG Supplements and Products.
Health Benefits
DMG is good for the heart. It has been found to lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides, and help normalize blood pressure and blood glucose.
Dimethylglycine (DMG) & Autism
Written by Stephen M. Edelson, Ph.D.
Center for the Study of Autism, Salem, Oregon
DMG is another nutrient that, according to reports from thousands of families, is quite beneficial to many autistic individuals. Similar to vitamin B6 and magnesium, DMG is safe, relatively inexpensive, and helps about half of autistic children and adults.
Research on humans and laboratory animals have shown that DMG strengthens the immune system. The immune system is dysfunctional in many autistic individuals. Some autistic children and adults have seizures, and there are two published reports of decreases in seizure activity as a result of DMG (New England Journal of Medicine, 1982, 307, 1081-1082; Epilepsia, 1989, 30, 90-93).
Two studies have shown no improvements from DMG in autistic individuals; however, at least one of the studies used only half the recommended dose. A recent double-blind placebo-controlled study involving 84 participants documented a significant decrease in behavior problems (Unpublished study by doctors Shin-siung Jung, Bernard Rimland, and Stephen M. Edelson).
The recommended daily dose of DMG is between one to four 125 mg tablets for a child, and between two and eight tablets for an adult. Initially, a person should begin with one 125 mg tablet (a ½ tablet for a small child), and then increase the amount by one tablet every 2 to 3 days. DMG is also available in capsule, liquid, and sweet-tasting dissolving tablets.
There are no documented long-term side effects from DMG; however, in a few cases, parents report agitation and/or hyperactivity in their children. In these cases, it is recommended that folic acid also be given to the person. The suggested amount is two 800 microgram tablets for each 125 mg tablet of DMG. Some professionals suggest that DMG should always be supplemented with folic acid since folic acid cannot cause any harm, reduces the possibility of agitation/hyperactivity, and could possibly be more effective than when giving DMG alone.
Parents have also reported positive results with a similar product, trimethylglycine (TMG). There are, as yet, no published reports on its efficacy for autistic individuals. TMG breaks down into DMG and SAMe in the body. SAMe is a nutritional supplement and is sometimes used to treat mood disorders such as depression.
Helpful Links
Dimethylglycine (DMG): Autism
Contraindication
Those with hypersensitivity to any component of the preparation should not use DMG.
Precautions
DMG is not advised for pregnant women or nursing mothers and should only be used in children under medical supervision.
Adverse Reactions
Those with the rare disorder of dimethylglycine dehydrogenase deficiency may complain of a fish odor when taking DMG supplements. No other significant adverse reactions have been reported with DMG.
Interactions
There are no known drug, nutritional supplement, food or herb interactions. There is no known interaction with alcohol.
Overdosage
There are no known reports of overdose with DMG.
Dosage and Administration
Use of DMG should be restricted to items specifically labeled DMG or dimethylglycine. Items labeled pangamic acid, calcium pangamate and vitamin B15 should be avoided. DMG comes in tablets, capsules and sublingual preparations, typically at a dose of 125 mg. The usual dose is 125 mg daily with meals.
MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics - Amino Acids Index
DMG SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
DMG Supplement (N,N Dimethyl Glycine), NOW Foods, 125 mg, 100 Caps
NOW Foods' DMG Supplement is a methylated amino acid found in all cells. DMG is an antioxidant and methyl donor that has a number of beneficial effects. It has shown to have potential in increasing immune response to the flu and salmonella. DMG enhances both cellular and humoral immunity. DMG helps transport oxygen into cells, increasing their efficiency and preventing lactic acid build-up. DMG supplements have been used in studies of autism with some experiences of improvement. Results will usually show up within a week though it may range from one day to several weeks. Similarly, in some children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), DMG supplements have improved behavior, speech and frustration threshold within 24 hours.
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HELPFUL DMG INFORMATION
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