DMAE Supplements “Do We Need Them?”

DMAE (2-dimethylaminoethanol) is a chemical produced in the brain. This naturally occurring amino alcohol is produced in minuscule amounts by the brain, with higher concentrations being typically found in anchovies and sardines. Known primarily as a precursor to choline and acetylcholine (chemicals in the brain responsible for nerve transmissions and cognitive function), DMAE has been used most predominantly to improve memory and focus while stimulating neural activity.

Many researchers believe that it may serve as anti-aging function by increasing the body’s capacity to produce acetylcholine – a deficiency commonly associated with memory loss.

DMAE is a memory booster substance common to several drugs that are known to stabilize cell membranes. Cell membrane degradation has been proposed as one of the prime mechanisms of aging. DMAE is increasingly favored by medical practitioners for its role in boosting brain power. DMAE has shown positive results in the treatment of a variety of cognitive and disruptive disorders, including attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and memory lapses. DMAE is even being used in skin care products designed to treat sagging skin and age spots.

DMAE may enhance water retention in connective skin tissue, causing the surface of the skin to tighten. The second, and more likely, explanation involves DMAE’s cholinergic feature, which enhances the skin’s ability to transmit acetylcholine. The neurotransmitter’s function in sending signals from nerves to muscles may promote a form of muscle tightening in the skin. It is important to note that although DMAE cannot fully reverse existing facial sagging, it may reduce its further progression. Some people report a cumulative effect with continued use of the compound.

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