DMG
Also known as: DMG, Vitamin B15, N,N-Dimethylglycine
Overview
N,N-Dimethylglycine (DMG) is a naturally occurring derivative of the amino acid glycine, found in small amounts in foods like liver, beans, and grains, and also produced endogenously as an intermediate in choline metabolism. It functions as a methyl donor and is involved in one-carbon metabolism pathways. DMG is supplemented for its purported benefits in metabolic health, immune modulation, and skin repair. Research on DMG is emerging, with a mix of preclinical, observational, and genetic association studies, but limited large-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) data. The quality of evidence is moderate, with ongoing clinical investigations.
Benefits
Lower plasma DMG levels are associated with higher blood glucose, insulin resistance, and an increased risk of incident diabetes, suggesting a protective role in glucose metabolism. Genetic studies show statistically significant associations (e.g., P=3.9E-4 for glucose levels, P=0.001 for diabetes risk) linking genetic variants that lower DMG to these metabolic issues. Elevated plasma DMG levels independently predict an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients with stable angina, with hazard ratios around 1.5–3 for the highest versus lowest DMG quartiles, indicating its potential as a cardiovascular risk biomarker. Preclinical studies using DMG sodium salt (DMG-Na) have demonstrated its ability to promote epidermal proliferation and regeneration, alongside anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, suggesting therapeutic potential for skin conditions characterized by impaired repair and inflammation. While metabolic benefits are inferred from long-term genetic and cohort data, skin benefits have been observed in short-term preclinical experiments.
How it works
DMG's primary mechanism involves its metabolism by DMG dehydrogenase (DMGDH) to glycine, thereby linking it to one-carbon metabolism and various methylation reactions within the body. This metabolic pathway is crucial for cellular processes. DMG influences glucose metabolism, though the direct mechanisms are not fully elucidated. In the cardiovascular system, its role as a biomarker suggests involvement in pathways related to cardiac health, although specific molecular interactions are still under investigation. For skin repair, DMG appears to exert its effects through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pathways, potentially modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators in skin cells, thereby promoting epithelial regeneration.
Side effects
N,N-Dimethylglycine (DMG) is generally regarded as safe, with no major adverse effects reported in clinical or preclinical studies to date. Common side effects are not well documented, and available studies have not reported any significant adverse reactions. Data are insufficient to characterize uncommon or rare side effects. There are no well-established drug interactions, though caution is advised due to the limited research. No clear contraindications have been identified. The effects and safety of DMG in special populations, such as pregnant or lactating women, children, or individuals with severe comorbidities, have not been well studied, and therefore, its use in these groups should be approached with caution.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for N,N-Dimethylglycine (DMG) has not been established, and optimal dosage remains unknown. Clinical trials are ongoing to determine appropriate dosing. Preclinical studies have utilized DMG-Na topically, while metabolic studies have focused on endogenous DMG levels rather than supplemental intake. A maximum safe dose has not been defined. There are no specific recommendations regarding the timing of supplementation. DMG is available in oral supplements, and topical formulations are also under investigation. Information on absorption factors, cofactors, or enhancers that might influence DMG's efficacy is currently limited.
FAQs
Is DMG supplementation safe?
Current evidence suggests DMG is generally safe, with no major adverse effects reported. However, comprehensive clinical trial data are still lacking to fully confirm its safety profile.
Does DMG improve diabetes or cardiovascular outcomes?
Associations exist between DMG levels and metabolic/cardiovascular health, but causality and therapeutic efficacy require confirmation through well-designed randomized controlled trials.
Can DMG help skin conditions?
Preclinical data show promise for DMG in promoting skin regeneration and reducing inflammation. Clinical trials are currently underway to evaluate its efficacy in human skin conditions.
How quickly do benefits appear?
The time course for benefits is largely unknown. Metabolic effects are likely long-term, inferred from genetic and cohort data, while skin effects might be observed in shorter durations based on preclinical studies.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10379135/ – This preclinical study investigated the effects of DMG sodium salt (DMG-Na) on skin. It found that DMG-Na stimulates epidermal proliferation and exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in in vitro and in vivo models, suggesting its potential for therapeutic use in skin conditions.
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/ATVBAHA.113.301714 – This prospective cohort study involving patients with stable angina found that elevated plasma N,N-dimethylglycine (DMG) levels independently predicted an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The study suggests DMG could serve as a biomarker for cardiovascular risk stratification.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4512219/ – This GWAS and cohort study identified a genetic variant associated with lower plasma N,N-dimethylglycine (DMG) levels, which in turn was linked to higher blood glucose, insulin resistance, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The findings suggest a role for DMG in glucose metabolism and diabetes risk.
