Dimethyl glycine

Important dimethyl glycine facts

Dimethyl glycine is produced in cells as a mid-way in the metabolism of choline to glycine. It acts as a building block for the biosynthesis of many important substances such as methionine, choline, several important hormones, neurotransmitters, and DNA.

This means dimethyl glycine supports mental activity, aids to enable high energy levels, enables a strong immune system, improves oxygen utilization, and improves the functioning of many important organs.

Dimethyl glycine is naturally produced in small amounts in the body.

• Dimethyl glycine is considered a food
• Dimethyl glycine (DMG) is a derivative of glycine
• Dimethyl glycine (DMG) is sometimes referred to as Vitamin B15
• Another name for dimethyl glycine (DMG) is pangamic acid
• It has not yet been determined whether dimethyl glycine (DMG) is a vitamin
• DMG is absorbed from the small intestine and it is then transported to the liver. DMG is metabolised in the liver where it is converted to glycine
• DMG itself is formed from trimethylglycine or betaine. DMG that is not metabolised in the liver is transported to various areas in the body
• As dimethyl glycine is a derivative of glycine, it can be found in foods high in glycine.
• Foods high in dimethyl glycine are: apricot kernels, brewer's yeast, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, whole grains such as brown rice

Dimethyl glycine and health

• Immune function - a study on animal subjects demonstrated that the immune systems of the animals that were given dimethyl glycine showed 300% to 1,000% better response to infection than the controls. In a double blind human study, DMG enhanced immune responses by stimulating white blood cell metabolism
• Maintain high energy levels and boosting mental alertness - research shows that dimethyl glycine helps to boost mental activity and energy levels as it increases blood and oxygen supply to the brain and other tissues, as well as boosting energy metabolism

People who wish to take an acidophilus supplement should talk to a medical professional BEFORE taking it.

Groups at risk of essential fatty acid deficiency

• People taking certain medications - certain prescription drugs can interfere with or block dimethyl glycine absorption, so supplementation may be required
• Alcoholics - alcoholics tend to eat poorly, so their vitamin intake is low and alcohol blocks absorption of many nutrients, as well as excreting much of it that is absorbed
• People with degenerative illnesses - people with degenerative illness such as diabetes may not be absorbing a lot of their vitamins and minerals, or may be excreting them too quickly, so may require supplementation
• People with cardiac problems - may need extra dimethyl glycine
• People who drink a lot of coffee - coffee blocks absorption of dimethyl glycine

Symptoms of essential fatty acid deficiency

No dimethyl glycine deficiency symptoms have been reported in the general population, so it is generally assumed that normal absorption and a varied diet provides sufficient coenzyme Q10 for healthy individuals.

The only individuals that may be at risk of deficiency are those in the groups above.

Dimethyl glycine recommened intake

Dosage of dimethyl glycine depends on the condition that is being treated. A medical doctor and/or alternative health care provider can advise on individual cases - this information is provided as a guide only:

Lifestage	Age	Amount (per day)
INFANTS	0-12mths	Not recommended
CHILDREN	1-8yrs	Not recommended
CHILDREN	9-18yrs	Seek medical advice before taking it
ADULTS	19-50yrs	General health & immune support 50mg twice a day
SENIORS	51+yrs	General health & immune support 50mg twice a day
PREGNANT		Seek medical advice before taking it
LACTATING		Seek medical advice before taking it

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Types of dimethyl glycine supplements

Acidophilus supplementation is available in the following ways:

• Capsules - are usually freeze-dried, but sometimes aren't
• Powder - this is freeze-dried and refrigerated
• Chewable tablets - this is usually freeze-dried

Dimethyl glycine supplementation checklist

• Check expiration date
• Check dosage
• Capsules are a good option for people who want no-fuss, no-mess dimethyl glycine supplement, have been prescribed a specific dosage and can take higher dosages without any side effects
• Powders work best for people who want to control exactly how much dimethyl glycine they ingest, especially if a lower dosage is preferred, especially initially, to test the supplement for any adverse effects

Dimethyl glycine works best with

• Choline
• Coenzyme Q10
• Vitamin C
• Methionine

Overdosage, toxicity and cautions for dimethyl glycine

Not a great deal of evidence has been seen of any toxic or significant adverse effects of taking high levels of DMG.

The only known side effects of overdosage are:

• drowsiness
• mild flushing of the skin

Cautions

No cautions except to ensure not to exceed the recommended dosage on the supplement.

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References

• Balch, J. & Balch, P. Prescription for Nutritional Healing. New York: Avery Publishing Group, 2000
• Bolman WM, Richmond JA. A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Pilot Trial of Low Dose Dimethylglycine in Patients with Autistic Disorder. Journal of Autism and Development Disorders 1999. 29 (3); 191-194
• Lawson, J. & Reap, E. “The effects of dimethylglycine on the immune response of rabbits.” Clemson University Presented at the American Society of Microbiologists. Abstract, March 1-6, 1987, Atlanta, Georgia
• McGregor DA etc al. Dimethylglycine accumulates in uremia and predicts elevated plasma homocysteine concentrations. Kidney International (2001) 59, 2267–2272;
• Santarsiero BD, Marsh RE. N,N-Dimethylglycine hydrochloride. Journal of Chemical Crystallography 1983. 13 (4); 245-251
• Schneider D; Helwig V; Staniek K; Nohl H; Elstner EF. Studies on the chemical identity and biological functions of pangamic acid. Arzneimittelforschung, 1999. Apr, 49 (4); 335-43

Last reviewed 21 April 2019