DMAE identification

• DMAE also stands for dimethylaminoethanol and is also sometimes referred to as deanol. It is biologically relevant for two different reasons. One is that it is very similar, chemically speaking to the B vitamins. Its biological function is in its relationship to acetylcholine, one of the neurotransmitters in the brain and nervous system. DMAE is a precursor to acetylcholine, which means that the body is able to take it in and chemically alter it to form acetylcholine.
  
  

DMAE and Depression

• One of DMAE's potential uses is in the treatment of depression. Depression is often clinically thought of as an imbalance in neurotransmitters. These perturbations can lead to altered mood. DMAE's role in treating depression would lie in its function as a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Taking DMAE supplements could increase the amount of acetylcholine in the brain. There have been studies that DMAE supplementation can increase alertness and short term "vigilance," as well as improving patients' mood. There is also the possibility that DMAE could positively affect health due to its similarities to the B vitamins, which are important for over health of the nervous system.
  
  

DMAE In the Body

• DMAE has been shown to be taken up by the liver and turned into choline, which is the backbone of acetylcholine. While choline is not able to be transferred to the brain, it can undergo a chemical change called methylation, which would allow the brain to absorb it. From there it could be turned into acetylcholine which, in addition to being one of the primary chemicals that nerves use to communicate, is also found in the brain's pleasure center. It is for this reason that it potentially could treat depression.