Dimethylglycine (DMG)
(DMG)

General Info

Active Forms
Dimethylglycine (DMG).

Absorption
Dimethylglycine is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Dietary Sources
Dimethylglycine occurs naturally in the outer coat of rice and in all seed products.

Dosage Info

Dosage Range 50 to 750mg daily. Most Common Dosage 125mg, 2 or 3 times daily. Dosage Forms Capsules and foil-wrapped sublingual tablets.		Adult RDI None established Adult ODA None established		RDA None established

Overview

Editor's Note:
While peer-reviewed scientific studies on this dietary supplement are lacking, many practitioners and individuals report observational and anectodal benefits from its use. The use of this dietary supplement is on the rise. For this reason, NHIondemand has provided this monograph using the information that is currently available. As more science-based research becomes available, this monograph will be updated to include that material.

Dimethylglycine (DMG) is a substance that is found in the cells of all plants and animals. It is a derivative of glycine, which is the smallest of the amino acids. Some studies report that it has been therapeutically useful in treating autism and some individuals with epilepsy. However, no large studies have been conducted to investigate these potential applications. Proponents of DMG claim that it enhances the storage of high-energy phosphate compounds such as phosphocreatine in muscles, decreases lactate production, and decreases blood lactate after exercise. It is thought (or hoped) that this will enable athletes and racing animals such as greyhounds and horses, to run faster. There have been studies that have reported no improvement with DMG supplementation, so these theories remain questionable.

Toxicities & Precautions

Dimethylglycine is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

General
There are no reported toxicities associated with dimethylglycine.

Functions in the Body

Uses

Clinical Applications
	Autism
	Epilepsy
	Improves Stamina

Choline Metabolism
Dimethylglycine is an intermediate in the metabolism of choline to glycine in the body.

Immune Function
The immune system of rabbits that were given DMG exhibited 300 to 1,000 percent better response to an infection challenge from an exposure to Salmonella compared to controls.(1) A double-blind study in humans reported a fourfold increase in antibody response to pneumococcal vaccine in volunteers taking DMG. The authors of this study stated that DMG is capable of enhancing both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in humans.(2)

Neurotransmitter Formation
Participates in formation of methionine, choline, and several neurotransmitters.

Clinical Applications

Autism
For over 20 years, the Autism Research Institute (ARI) has been hearing from parents who have tried DMG with their autistic children. In many cases, good results have been reported, especially in enhancing speech. Because DMG is safe, inexpensive, and often effective, ARI routinely recommends that it be tried, even though scientific studies on this application have not yet been conducted. DMG, in conjunction with vitamin B6 and magnesium, have frequently resulted in a rapid (sometimes overnight) appearance of speech in formerly non-speaking autistic children.(3, 4)

Epilepsy
Although studies report that DMG is not effective in seizure control, it has been reported that DMG does possess anti-seizure activity and that it is occasionally effective, even when other anti-seizure medications have failed.(5) For example, a 22-year old man was still experiencing 16-18 seizures per week even though he had been on phenobarbital and carbamazepine for six months. One week after starting to take 90mg of DMG twice daily, his seizure frequency had dropped to three per week. Two attempts to withdraw the DMG resulted in a rapid and dramatic increase in seizure frequency.(6) DMG has also been able to successfully reduce the incidence of induced seizures in rats and mice.(7, 8)

Improves Stamina
DMG is a popular supplement that is used by athletes as well as the trainers of greyhounds and racehorses. It is thought that DMG enhances energy stores in muscles, decreases lactate production, decreases blood lactate after exercise, and improves running speed. One study in horses reported these benefits;(9) other studies have reported negative outcomes.

Symptoms & Causes of Deficiency

DMG is made in the human body and there is no deficiency condition associated with a lack of this substance in the diet.

Footnotes

¹ Reap EA, Lawson JW. Stimulation of the immune response by dimethylglycine, a nontoxic metabolite. J Lab Clin Med. Apr1990;115(4):481-6.
View Abstract
² Graber CD, et al. Immunomodulating properties of dimethylglycine in humans. J Infect Dis. Jan1981;143(1):101-5.
View Abstract
³ Rimland B. Seizures, Vitamin B6, DMG, and Sudden Speech. Autism Research Review International. 1996;10(2):1.
⁴ Vitamin B6/DMG. Letters to the Editor, Autism Research Interview International. 1994;8(2):6.
⁵ Rimland B. Seizures, Vitamin B6, DMG, and Sudden Speech. Autism Research Review International. 1996;10(2):1.
⁶ Roach ES, Carlin L. N,N-dimethylglycine for epilepsy. N Engl J Med. 1982;307:1081-82.
⁷ Freed WJ. Prevention of strychnine-induced seizures and death by the n-methylated glycine derivatives betaine, dimethylglycine, and sarcosine. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 1985;22:741-743.
View Abstract
⁸ Freed WJ. N,N-dimethylglycine, betaine and seizures. Arch Neurol. 1984;41:1129-30.
⁹ Rodiek A. Feeding For Performance. The Equine Athlete. Jun1992;5(3);11-14.

Dimethylglycine (DMG)(DMG)

Dimethylglycine (DMG)
(DMG)