Since its discovery in the 1960’s. the astounding health benefits of DMG continue to surface.* Over the past 60 years, we’ve learned a great deal about this amino acid and what it can do for human health.*
Dimethylglycine (DMG) is an amino acid made by the body, and it contributes to overall wellness and vitality in several important ways.* As a supplement, it’s commonly used for immune and adrenal support, detoxification, athletic performance, and longevity.* Directly and indirectly, DMG plays a significant role in energy production and maintenance on a daily basis.*
DMG was discovered in the 1960s in the Soviet Union. Originally thought to be vitamin B15 and known as calcium pangamate, research revealed the active substance to be dimethylglycine. Since then, we’ve discovered that DMG has multiple health benefits, particularly supporting energy levels.*
DMG is considered a powerful metabolic enhancer that optimizes a wide range of bodily functions.* A derivative of the amino acid glycine, it has two extra methyl groups attached to it that are metabolized and given over to the one-carbon pathway. DMG becomes effective because it breaks apart and produces building blocks for many biological molecules in the body, such as hormones, antibodies, neurotransmitters, and structures that make up the energy cycle.
Due to its role in mitochondrial and oxygen support, DMG is much more than a conventional energy booster, so an increasing number of providers recommend it for the following reasons.
For years, DMG has been used by health providers with athletes because of its ability to support mitochondria and help with lactic acid buildup, helping to improve stamina, oxygen utilization, and overall sports performance.* Initial research suggests its possible efficacy for overcoming the adverse effects caused by muscle fatigue, improving endurance and recovery time, and as an overall metabolic enhancer.*[1]
This particular research on DMG for athletes can also be helpful for anyone needing increased endurance and less fatigue, like shift workers, students, truck drivers, or others who need to maintain high levels of mental and physical alertness.* DMG in higher dosages can even help runners’ time and recovery rate, reducing what marathon runners refer to as the "18-mile-hitting-the-wall factor.”*[2]
DMG supports cardiovascular function and the entire circulatory system, leading to decreased overall degeneration.* Optimal serum DMG levels might contribute to healthy blood vessel structure and function, which helps maintain circulation ahd healthy cholesterol and triglyceride levels.*.[3]
Another important discovery of DMG’s role in heart health is its ability to manage homocysteine, a key marker for cardiovascular wellbeing.* Homocysteine requires a methyl group to convert it to methionine, and DMG produces methyl groups for the methylation and transmethylation processes.[4]
Dimethylglycine also plays a significant role in methylation for liver support, enhancing detoxification.* DMG supports the biosynthesis of glutathione and SAMe (Sulfur-Adenosylmethionine), which are essential for Phase 1 and 2 detoxification pathways.*
Exposure to environmental toxins can be attributed to many factors, such as toxins from foods and water, air pollution, and in personal care and home cleaning products. Toxicity is one reason low-functioning detoxification pathways often contribute to tiredness, and supporting the liver with DMG and other detoxifying foods and supplements can help.*[5]
Signs of aging or low energy from accelerated aging are often linked with free radicals and the body’s oxidation defense system. Free radicals are reactive oxygen species (ROS) that contain an unpaired electron, making them extremely reactive toward other molecules. Free radicals essentially want to steal an electron from other molecules that they encounter, including those found in cell membranes, DNA, organs, and enzymes. During this process, they break down the structure and function of these molecules, causing oxidative stress.
Several studies have found that DMG helps with free radical scavenging and protection against oxidative stress.* Also closely tied to aging, DMG increases oxygen utilization, helping reduce oxidation.*[6] We also know that excess blood glucose in the bloodstream can lead to excessive free radical production, and DMG is shown to have a possible protective effect on glucose metabolism.*[7]
Low energy is challenge for many, and people want solutions. Daytime tiredness can be rooted in a myriad of factors, and DMG seems to help at the base level.* As part of a comprehensive supplement plan, DMG can help support optimal energy alongside a whole foods diet, stress management techniques, and physical activity.*
[1]https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282453622_Dimethylglycine_supplementation_in_horses_performing_incremental_treadmill_exercise
[2]https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Recent-Findings-on-N-%2C-N-Dimethylglycine-(-DMG-)-%3A-Kendall-Lawson/5faec4237cf4cc0e636ea7b50daba15c4bc4c7a8
[3] Roger V. Kendall, John W. Lawson. “Recent Findings on N,N-Dimethylglycine (DMG): A nutrient for the new millennium.” May 2000. https://www.vetriscience.com/white_papers/DMG_Townsend%20letter_2000.pdf. Accessed 24 July 2019
[4] Ibid.
[5] Racciatti D, Vecchiet J, Ceccomancini A, Ricci F, Pizzigallo E. Chronic fatigue syndrome following a toxic exposure. Sci Total Environ. 2001 Apr 10;270(1-3):27-31. doi: 10.1016/s0048-9697(00)00777-4. PMID: 11327394.
[6] Bai, K., Xu, W., Zhang, J., Kou, T., Niu, Y., Wan, X., Zhang, L., Wang, C., & Wang, T. (2016). Assessment of Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Dimethylglycine Sodium Salt and Its Role in Providing Protection against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Oxidative Stress in Mice. PloS one, 11(5), e0155393. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0155393
[7] Magnusson, M., Wang, T. J., Clish, C., Engström, G., Nilsson, P., Gerszten, R. E., & Melander, O. (2015). Dimethylglycine Deficiency and the Development of Diabetes. Diabetes, 64(8), 3010–3016. https://doi.org/10.2337/db14-1863