The simplest amino acid glycine forms the more complex compound called dimethylglycine, or (DMG) - in this molecule the amino acid glycine is methylated. Other names such as vitamin B15 and pangamic acid are also sometimes given to this molecule, the term vitamin is not correct as this molecule is technically not related to the essential vitamins. DMG is formed in the body and symptoms of deficiency have not been recorded. DMG is important in the role of a chemical precursor for the synthesis of many important substances, like the amino acid methionine, the bio-molecule choline, and a number of essential hormones and neurotransmitters, including the protein component of chromosomes.
Foods such as meats, seeds and grains have low levels of DMG. Dietary intake of DMG rich food sources is not required or essential and deficiency symptoms are non-existent. However, supplemental DMG has very significant beneficial effects on the body. DMG seems to be capable of boosting mental efficiency and helps the body maintain very high energy levels at all times. The functioning of the immune system is also enhanced by DMG and the molecule brings about a great reduction in cases of elevated blood cholesterol and reduces high levels of triglycerides in the blood. The utilization of oxygen in the body is also aided by DMG, at the same time; the bio-molecule helps normalize blood pressure and maintains the blood glucose levels. DMG also improves the working of other vital organs in the human system. Problems like epileptic seizures can also be controlled by DMG supplements.
Supplementation with di-methylglycine is most effective on individuals affected by autism and related developmental disorders. DMG use and vitamin B6 supplements can also improve cognitive functioning in those affected by autism, promoting speech, increasing the attention span, and improving eye contact co-ordination. DMG supplements can also prove very effective in brining about a reduction in the number of seizures that affects lot of children and adults with autism.
Autistic people also tend to suffer from some form of impairment in the functioning of the immune system. The role of DMG in strengthening the working of the immune system in both autistic as well as normal individuals is currently under clinical investigation. The ability of DMG to increase anti-body production is the subject of recently conducted study-human subjects seems to have a benefit of up to 400 per cent increase in their anti-body production. The main beneficial action of dimethylglycine is in stimulating both the branches of the immune system, these results in a three to five-fold increase in the production of protective anti-bodies. Animal tests showing these benefits have been replicated under laboratory conditions.
Detoxification actions performed by DMG within the human body are also important. The fact that di-methylglycine enhances the oxygen utilization in the tissues and deals with complex free radicals have been confirmed in numerous studies. DMG's role in the human body may ultimately lie in its effective antioxidant action - the molecule protects the cellular structure in the body from the adverse effects of free radical actions. DMG's effective anti-oxidant effect and its anti-stress action could be of extreme value in the treatment of diseases such as systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and cancers like the melanoma. The metastasis of certain kinds of cancers may be prevented by the action of DMG and the bio-molecule could also help bring about a reduction of the anti-nuclear antibodies in cases of lupus.
DMG supplementation also induces certain metabolic enhancements along very specific physiological pathways. Physiological pathways affected by the DMG supplements include the muscular, the immune and the cardiovascular systems. Physical stamina may also be increased by DMG, it is believed to have an ergo-genic action - aiding in the production of energy in the body.
DMG taken as a nutritional supplement may possibly help ward off disorders like chronic fatigue syndrome, increase and boost athletic performance, and help manage ulcers. The beneficial effects of DMG pertaining to these specific diseases needs to be researched and assessed further under clinical testing conditions before supplementation and dosage regimens are fashioned.
DMG or dimethylglycine possesses the potential to increase oxygenation in the cells and the findings of a number of studies suggest that DMG may perhaps also augment the utilization of oxygen whenever there is a deficit of oxygen in the body - a condition also known as hypoxia. At the same time, DMG may possibly reduce the build-up of lactic acid owing to stress. As there is a possibility of increased oxygenation, a section of people are of the view that taking DMG supplements might improve athletic performance further.
It is worth mentioning here that use of DMG supplements has been recommended by the Irish Centre of Integrated Medicine in a holistic plan to treat varicose veins, as it helps the body tissues to utilize oxygen better. Varicose veins are a condition wherein the veins become distended and twisted. Generally, varicose veins occur in the legs when the vein walls lose their elasticity and the valves of the veins start malfunctioning. Such damaged vein valves find it difficult to function against gravity to send blood back to the heart.
Methyl donors like DMG facilitate in producing numerous neurotransmitters - brain chemicals used by the nerves to send signals to one another. This is the primary reason why methyl donors are vital for our energy, concentration, alertness and also a feeling of good health as well as sexual enjoyment. Our body's methylation ability may become less as we age and this may enhance the aging process. This is one reason why taking DMG supplements is useful for our overall health.
DMG supplementation and use is not conducted under an established Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) regime - partly due to the rarity of deficiency of this bio-molecule in the body. Combination supplemental regimens in conjunction with other nutrients like the vitamins A, B6, and E is often recommended for DMG, especially if the person intends to meet the metabolic requirements of DMG from external sources. Dosage regimens typically include supplementation of 50 - 100 milligrams, two times every day during the supplemental period.
People using dimethylglycine or DMG supplements or intend to use them ought to know that they may prove to be safe when taken for a brief duration, for instance, a maximum of 28 days. Scientists are yet to ascertain the safety of these supplements when used for a prolonged period. In addition, there is not enough information regarding the safety of using these supplements by pregnant women and nursing mothers. Hence, it is advisable that you should remain on the safer side by avoiding the use of dimethylglycine in such situations.
However, it should be noted that using DMG does not result in toxicity and, therefore, it does not cause any notable adverse effects. Nevertheless, this cannot be said for the supplement sold under a similar name - trimethylglycine, generally known as betaine. Trimethylglycine encloses glycine in combination with three instead of two methyl groups, and is also used for different purposes.
