What are the hazards of DMAE?

November 17, 2025 •

4 min read

While often marketed for cognitive and skin benefits, a 2007 Reuters report highlighted that researchers found DMAE was toxic to skin cells in laboratory tests. This raises significant questions about the safety of both oral and topical use of DMAE, a substance that has shown mixed results in clinical studies. The following article explores the documented health risks and hazards associated with this compound.

Quick Summary

DMAE use poses multiple risks, from common side effects like headaches and irritability to serious dangers like exacerbated mental health conditions, skin cell toxicity, and potential birth defects.

Key Points

Oral Side Effects: Ingesting DMAE supplements can lead to side effects like headaches, insomnia, irritability, and elevated blood pressure.
Cellular Toxicity: Lab studies have shown that high concentrations of DMAE can be toxic to skin cells, causing swelling, damage, and death.
Contraindicated for Mental Health Issues: Individuals with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or a history of convulsions should not take DMAE, as it can worsen symptoms.
Pregnancy Warning: Pregnant or nursing women must avoid DMAE due to animal studies linking it to potential birth defects.
Drug Interactions: DMAE can interact with cholinergic medications, potentially causing an excessive increase in acetylcholine and heightening side effects.
Uncertain Efficacy: The effectiveness of DMAE for cognitive benefits is a topic of debate, with many studies showing little to no benefit compared to documented risks.

Oral Supplement Hazards

When taken as an oral supplement, DMAE has been linked to a variety of side effects and potential health risks. These issues range from relatively mild and common complaints to more serious and contraindicatory conditions. The specific risks can depend on dosage, individual sensitivity, and pre-existing medical conditions.

Common Neurological and Psychological Side Effects

Overstimulation and Sleep Issues: Some individuals experience overstimulation of the nervous system, which can lead to headaches, tense muscles (particularly in the jaw, neck, and shoulders), anxiety, and insomnia. Vivid or lucid dreams have also been reported.
Mood and Cognitive Changes: The effects of DMAE on mood are complex and can be unpredictable. While some older, less rigorous studies suggested mood benefits, other reports link it to depression, irritability, confusion, and hypomania in sensitive individuals.
Unusual Movement Problems: Long-term use of DMAE has been anecdotally associated with tardive dyskinesia, a condition causing involuntary facial and respiratory movements. Those who notice unusual movements should consult a doctor.

Cardiovascular and Gastrointestinal Risks

Blood Pressure Elevation: Increased blood pressure has been observed, especially in individuals taking high doses, such as in a study involving Alzheimer's patients. People with pre-existing cardiovascular issues should exercise caution.
Stomach Upset: Gastrointestinal discomfort, including constipation, stomach upset, and nausea, can occur with oral supplementation.
Other Reported Effects: Some users have reported side effects such as body odor, urticaria (hives), and weight loss.

Skin and Topical Application Risks

Despite its inclusion in many anti-aging cosmetic products, topical DMAE is not without risks. High concentrations are needed for the compound to penetrate the skin, which can increase the likelihood of adverse effects.

Cellular Toxicity

In vitro and animal studies have shown potential cellular-level hazards from topical DMAE.

Cell Swelling and Damage: Laboratory tests on cultured rabbit and human skin cells found that DMAE caused rapid cell swelling, which damages and eventually kills the cells.
Inhibited Cell Growth: Higher concentrations of DMAE have been shown to inhibit the growth of human skin cells and shorten their lifespan.

Irritation and Swelling

Skin and Eye Irritation: Topical application, particularly at higher concentrations, can cause skin irritation, redness, and swelling. The industrial form is known to be corrosive and a severe eye irritant.
Patch Test Recommended: Due to the risk of irritation, a patch test is recommended before applying a DMAE product more widely.

Individuals Who Must Avoid DMAE

Certain populations are strongly advised to avoid DMAE due to a higher risk of serious complications.

Contraindicated Health Conditions

Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia: DMAE can exacerbate symptoms of these mood and psychotic disorders and is contraindicated for individuals with these conditions.
Epilepsy and Convulsions: The supplement may increase the risk of seizures and should not be used by those with epilepsy or a history of convulsions.
Kidney or Liver Disease: These conditions can affect how the body processes DMAE, and individuals should consult a doctor before use.

Pregnancy and Nursing Concerns

Pregnant or nursing women should avoid DMAE completely. Animal studies have suggested a link between DMAE and potential birth defects, such as spina bifida. This neural tube defect can occur very early in pregnancy, making it dangerous for women even trying to conceive.

Potential Drug Interactions

DMAE may interact with certain medications by potentially increasing acetylcholine levels in the body.

Cholinergic and Anticholinergic Drugs: These include medications for glaucoma and Alzheimer's disease. Taking DMAE alongside them may lead to excessively high acetylcholine levels and increased side effects.
Cholinesterase Inhibitors: Used to treat Alzheimer's, these drugs can also interact negatively with DMAE.

DMAE vs. Choline: A Safety Comparison


Feature	DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol)	Choline (Essential Nutrient)
Body Production	Produced naturally in small amounts.	Produced by the body, but most is acquired through diet.
Neurotransmitter Support	Precursor to choline, but studies on its ability to increase brain acetylcholine are mixed; can compete for brain transporters.	Directly required for acetylcholine synthesis.
Safety Profile (Oral)	Linked to various side effects including headache, insomnia, mood changes, and increased blood pressure, especially at higher doses.	Generally well-tolerated, with established Adequate Intake levels; essential for cell function.
Safety Profile (Topical)	Associated with cellular toxicity, skin irritation, and swelling, particularly in high concentrations.	Not typically used for topical anti-aging; less concern regarding skin toxicity in standard use.
Contraindications	Avoided by pregnant women, those with epilepsy, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or liver/kidney disease.	No general contraindications, though individuals with specific conditions should consult a doctor.

Conclusion

While some anecdotal claims suggest benefits, the body of scientific evidence presents significant safety concerns regarding DMAE use. From a variety of uncomfortable side effects associated with oral supplements, such as headaches and mood disturbances, to documented cellular toxicity from topical application, the potential hazards are substantial. The risks are particularly pronounced for specific populations, including pregnant women and individuals with certain psychiatric conditions. Given the conflicting evidence regarding efficacy and the clear documentation of adverse effects, a cautious approach is warranted. Anyone considering DMAE should consult a healthcare provider to fully understand the risks and determine if it is appropriate for their specific health profile.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any new supplement or beginning any new treatment, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are pregnant or nursing.

Frequently Asked Questions

People with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, epilepsy, or a history of convulsions should avoid DMAE. It is also contraindicated for pregnant and nursing women, and those with severe kidney or liver disease should consult a doctor before use.

Yes, topical application of DMAE can cause skin irritation, redness, and swelling, especially at higher concentrations. Laboratory studies have also demonstrated that DMAE can be toxic to skin cells.

Common psychological side effects can include overstimulation, insomnia, confusion, depression, and irritability. These effects can vary depending on dosage and individual sensitivity.

No, DMAE is not considered safe during pregnancy. Animal studies have linked it to potential birth defects, specifically neural tube defects. For this reason, women who are pregnant, nursing, or trying to conceive should avoid it.

Yes, high doses of DMAE can be dangerous and are associated with a greater risk of adverse effects. Some reports, particularly in older patients, have linked high doses to increased confusion and elevated blood pressure.

Yes, DMAE can potentially interact with cholinergic and anticholinergic drugs, as well as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Combining DMAE with these medications could lead to excessive acetylcholine levels and increase the risk of side effects.

In laboratory studies, DMAE has been shown to be toxic to cultured skin cells. Researchers have observed rapid cell swelling, damage, and eventual cell death after exposure.