Not to get too far off topic, but heres a DMAE profile:
What Is It?
DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) is a compound found in anchovies and sardines. Various health food outlets sell it in capsule form to "boost brain power." The implication is that people who suffer from ultimately debilitating brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease may experience increased mental functioning.
DMAE is said to work by stepping up production of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, a chemical in the brain required for proper mental functioning. Short-term memory, concentration, and learning capacity all depend on adequate levels of acetylcholine. Not all studies have concluded that DMAE is indeed a precursor of acetylcholine, however, bringing into question the supplement's effectiveness for improving mental functioning.
Moreover, not all researchers agree on the healing potential of DMAE. In animal studies, DMAE has reportedly led to significant improvements in short-term memory. However, when researchers compared DMAE to a placebo in 27 Alzheimer's patients, the DMAE supplements provided no benefit. In fact, nearly half of the patients stopped taking DMAE due to unpleasant side effects, including drowsiness and increased confusion. There is no evidence that human beings can suffer from a deficiency of DMAE.
By the 1980s, several small studies had discounted the value of DMAE for relieving symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, a trembling disorder caused by long-term antipsychotic medication.
General Interaction
There are no known drug or nutrient interactions associated with DMAE. Much remains to be learned about the risks associated with this supplement, however.
Cautions
DMAE is thought to make epilepsy and bipolar depression worse, so people being treated for these conditions should avoid it.
Although DMAE helps produce brain chemicals needed for mental sharpness, these supplements have been linked to drowsiness and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's patients. DMAE can be overstimulating for some people, and may