Dimethylglycine (DMG) has many properties that support health, vitality and well-being.* DMG is an essential nutrient that supports methylation pathways, reduces the negative effects of stress on the body and enhances physical and mental performance.* But one of DMG’s most important functions is how it protects and defends the body against the aging process.*
As we age, it’s important to provide the body with nutritional factors that will keep the body operating at peak levels and defend it against the destructive effects of environmental pollution, free radicals and a weakened immune system. These three factors are major contributors to the aging process and to the development of conditions that can afflict the body. Research and clinical studies have demonstrated that DMG can effectively protect and defend the body against these three negative health factors.*
DMG can help remove toxic pollutants from the body, neutralize free radicals and bolster the immune system.* This is why DMG can be considered a powerful healthy aging nutrient and metabolic enhancer.*
DMG as a Detoxifier
DMG supports the metabolism and function of the liver which is the principle detoxifying organ in the body.* As part of the methylation pathway, DMG can help the liver detoxify environmental pollutants by supporting the biosynthesis of Glutathione and SAMe (Sulfur-Adenosylmethionine), which both play a major role in the Phase 1 and Phase 2 detoxification pathways.* DMG helps to eliminate toxic elements by providing key building blocks to the body’s detoxification pathways.*
DMG as a Free-Radical Fighter
DMG provides free radical protection as part of the body’s oxidation defense system.* Free radicals are reactive oxygen species known as ROS which contain an unpaired electron making them highly reactive towards other molecules in the body. Free radicals want to steal an electron from other molecules that they bump into including those found in DNA, cell membranes, enzymes, and organs. In the process, they break down the structure and function of these molecules, which causes oxidative stress.
Two key studies in the literature support the claim of DMG’s free radical scavenging activity.* In one study, Hariganesh found that DMG significantly reduced ulcer formation in rats.[2] He attributed this gastro-protective activity of DMG to its free-radical fighting properties and its ability to scavenge free radicals caused by lipid peroxidation in the gastric mucosa of the stomach.*
In a more recent study, Bai confirmed Hariganish’s findings of DMG free-radical fighting activity in his 2016 report.* [3] In the paper, he reported that DMG provided protection against lipopolysaccharide-induced oxidative stress in mice due to its free radical scavenging activity.*
DMG as an Immune System Builder*
A strong and active immune system is essential to keeping the body healthy. Several clinical and laboratory studies have confirmed that DMG strengthens the immune system of the body when challenged by a pathogenic agent.* A landmark clinical study done at the Medical University of South Carolina revealed that DMG could enhance both the activity of the humoral (B-cells) and cellular (T-cells) immune response systems in humans.* In the study, DMG provided a fourfold increase in antibody response to a pneumococcal vaccine as compared to controls demonstrating DMG protective effect.*[4]
A study conducted at Clemson University confirmed DMG’s immune building properties.* Using rabbits, DMG gave more than a fourfold increase in antibody production and a ten-fold increase in lymphocyte (T-cells) activity as compared to animals that did not receive any DMG.*[5]
In conclusion, DMG is an important nutrient in the body that can protect the body from toxic pollutants as well as defend us from the destructive activity of free radicals.* Therefore, using DMG as part of a nutritional defense system can lead to a more vibrant, healthy and productive life.*
[1] (Lawson B., BMC Complementary and Alternative Med. 2007, 7:20. )
[2] (J. Phar. Pharmacol. 2000:52)
[3] (PLOS ONE 11(5): e155393)
[4] (J. Inf. Dis, 143, 1981)
[5] (J. Lab. Clin. Med. 1990; 115:481-6)