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Overview: Dimethylglycine (DMG) is an amino acid that your body uses to make other important substances. DMG is found in many foods in the diet. Your body can also make DMG from other chemicals found in foods, including choline and betaine. DMG supplements appear to be well tolerated, but their benefits for any use are not well defined. Before taking DMG, tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines or supplements you may be using.

Uses

What is dimethylglycine (DMG) used for?

Dimethylglycine (DMG) is used for various reasons, including to improve overall health, increase energy levels, and improve immune health. However, its benefits for any use are not well defined.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed DMG for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does DMG work (mechanism of action)?

Dimethylglycine (DMG) is a type of amino acid that your body uses to make many other important substances, including another amino acid called glycine. Your body makes DMG from two chemicals found in the diet: choline and betaine. You can also get DMG from some common foods, such as grains, beans, brown rice, and pumpkin seeds.

DMG acts as an antioxidant in your body and may also play an important role in your immune system. This has led to interest in using DMG supplements to boost immune function, increase energy levels, and fight off damage to the cells in the body. But the effects of DMG supplements are poorly researched and not well understood. It is not clear what effects, if any, they may have in the body.

How should I store DMG?

You should store DMG according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of DMG?

DMG seems to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of DMG that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of DMG?

While less common, the most serious side effects of DMG are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. DMG may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking DMG and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use DMG?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take DMG.

  • Dimethylglycine (DMG)
  • N,N-dimethylglycine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific DMG products they stock.

What should I know about DMG before using it?

DMG is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep DMG out of the reach of children.

Do not confuse dimethylglycine (DMG) with another chemical called trimethylglycine (TMG). TMG, also known as betaine, is a common ingredient in dietary supplements. Your body can use TMG to make DMG. However, these chemicals can have different effects and side effects in the body.

The FDA has not tested DMG products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using DMG?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also tell them if you have an upcoming surgery planned. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if this or other supplements are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how DMG could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if DMG passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does DMG interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between DMG and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect DMG.

Does DMG interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between DMG and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with DMG is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking DMG with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much DMG?

If you or someone else has used too much DMG, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to take DMG safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.