DMAE
Also called Dimethylaminoethanol, Deanol
DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol, deanol) is a choline precursor found naturally in sardines and anchovies. Evidence for focus and childhood hyperactivity is limited and mostly older.
- Evidence
- CLimited evidence
- Studied dose
- 100-500mg
- Safety score
- Verified references
- None yet, sources being re-verified
How it is thought to work
DMAE is thought to be metabolised to choline, supporting acetylcholine synthesis. It may also reduce accumulation of lipofuscin, an age-related pigment, in neurons.
Where to buy DMAE
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| Vendor | Product | Size | Price | Per unit | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon |  NOW Supplements, DMAE 250 mg, Healthy Brain Function*, 100... | - | On Amazon | - | Check price on Amazon Ad |
| iHerb | NOW Foods, DMAE, 250 mg, 100 Veg Capsules | - | about $10.00 at iHerb (as of 24 September 2026) | - | Shop Ad |
| iHerb | Source Naturals, DMAE, 351 mg, 200 Capsules | - | about $21.14 at iHerb (as of 24 September 2026) | - | Shop Ad |
| iHerb | Life Extension, DMAE Bitartrate, 150 mg, 200 Vegetarian Capsules | - | about $13.50 at iHerb (as of 24 September 2026) | - | Shop Ad |
What the studies found
| Claimed benefit | Grade | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Mild focus enhancement | C | Older European clinical use plus modern small trials show modest acute focus effects. |
| ADHD symptoms (historical) | C | 1950s-1970s Deanol trials showed benefit in pediatric hyperactivity, predating modern stimulant treatment. |
Each benefit is graded on its own; a substance can have strong evidence for one effect and little for another. What the grades mean.
Dose and timing
Doses used in the research on file, taken as 1-2 doses. Not a recommendation.
Logarithmic time scale. Individual metabolism varies.
Safety and interactions
| Recorded side effect | How often | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Headache | common | mild |
| Insomnia | uncommon | mild |
Side effects in detailRecorded interactionsInteraction checker
History
Riker Laboratories studied DMAE as Deanol in the 1950s and 1960s for hyperactivity in children, and a controlled study in hyperkinetic children appeared in 1975. It was prescribed in France through the 1970s and 1980s, then largely abandoned.
Reader reviews
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Sign in to reviewDMAE: quick answers
- How strong is the evidence for DMAE?
- The overall grade on file is C (limited). 2 claimed benefits are graded separately in the table above.
- What dose of DMAE has been studied?
- The range on file is 100-500 mg (1-2 doses). It describes doses used in research, not a recommendation.
- How long does DMAE take to work and how long does it last?
- Listed half-life: about 4 hours. Individual metabolism varies.
- What are the side effects of DMAE?
- Recorded side effects: Headache (common), Insomnia (uncommon). Safety score 4/5.
Compared with other substances
Show 2Hide
| Comparison | Grade | Class |
|---|---|---|
| DMAE vs Huperzine A | A | Cholinergic |
| DMAE vs Alpha-GPC | A | Cholinergic |
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