What Are the Natural Sources of DMG?

November 24, 2025 •

4 min read

Dimethylglycine (DMG), an amino acid derivative, is found in trace amounts in specific plant and animal foods but is primarily an intermediate metabolite in the body's natural processes. Understanding the natural sources of DMG is key to leveraging both direct food intake and foods rich in its metabolic precursors.

Quick Summary

Dimethylglycine exists in small amounts in foods like seeds, grains, beans, and liver. The body can also synthesize it from precursors such as choline and TMG found in other dietary sources, though levels from food alone are typically low.

Key Points

Precursors are Key: The most effective way to increase the body's DMG levels naturally is by consuming foods rich in its precursors, such as choline and betaine.
Trace Amounts in Foods: Direct DMG is found in trace amounts in foods like liver, seeds, grains, and beans, making it difficult to obtain significant levels from diet alone.
Rapid Metabolism: The body rapidly synthesizes and utilizes DMG, meaning it does not accumulate to high concentrations naturally.
Dietary Strategies: A diet that includes foods like eggs, beets, spinach, and quinoa can effectively support the body's natural DMG production.
Supplementation for Higher Doses: Due to low food levels and rapid metabolism, supplementation is often used to achieve higher DMG concentrations, but should be done under medical supervision.
Metabolic Enhancer: DMG acts as a methyl donor in the one-carbon cycle, supporting essential cellular functions like immune response and neurological activity.

Understanding DMG and Its Role

Dimethylglycine (DMG), also known by the historical name pangamic acid or vitamin B15, is an amino acid derivative. It is not considered an essential nutrient because the human body can produce it internally. However, it is a crucial component of the one-carbon cycle, a fundamental metabolic pathway. In this cycle, DMG acts as a powerful methyl donor, a compound that contributes a methyl group to other molecules. This methylation process is essential for numerous cellular functions, including the synthesis of key substances like vitamins, neurotransmitters, and antibodies. Because it is rapidly used by the body, DMG levels in the blood are naturally low and transient.

The Metabolic Pathway: From Precursors to DMG

In the body, DMG is predominantly produced from other nutritional compounds, primarily choline and its derivative betaine (or trimethylglycine, TMG). The metabolic chain works as follows:

Choline to Betaine: Choline, an essential nutrient found in many foods, is converted into betaine in the body.
Betaine to DMG: Betaine then donates one of its three methyl groups to a process called remethylation of homocysteine to methionine, becoming dimethylglycine (DMG) in the process.
DMG to Sarcosine and Glycine: Subsequently, DMG donates its two remaining methyl groups, converting into sarcosine and then glycine.

This continuous metabolic cascade highlights why consuming foods rich in DMG precursors like choline and betaine can effectively support the body's natural DMG production.

Direct Food Sources of DMG

While DMG is an intermediate metabolite and does not accumulate in the body, it is present in small quantities in certain foods. Relying on these foods alone for therapeutic levels of DMG is often challenging.

Organic Liver: As the primary organ for metabolism, the liver contains trace amounts of DMG from the ongoing one-carbon cycle. This is one of the more potent animal-based sources.
Seeds: Various seeds are noted for containing small amounts of DMG, with pumpkin seeds being a commonly cited example.
Cereal Grains: Different types of cereal grains, including brown rice, can contain traces of dimethylglycine.
Beans and Legumes: Like grains, various beans contain low levels of this amino acid derivative.

Natural Sources of DMG Precursors

For those looking to support their body's DMG synthesis, focusing on foods high in precursors like choline and betaine is a more reliable dietary strategy.

Choline-Rich Foods

Choline is a crucial building block for DMG. Excellent dietary sources include:

Eggs: Egg yolks are one of the most concentrated sources of dietary choline.
Meat and Poultry: Beef, especially liver, and chicken are excellent sources.
Fish: Certain fish, like salmon and cod, contain good amounts of choline.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are notable vegetable sources.
Dairy Products: Milk and yogurt also provide choline.

Betaine-Rich Foods

Betaine is the direct precursor to DMG, making betaine-rich foods particularly important.

Beets and Spinach: Beets and beet-based products like beet greens are exceptionally high in betaine.
Quinoa: This ancient grain is a significant source of betaine.
Wheat Germ and Wheat Bran: These wheat byproducts are excellent sources of betaine.
Shellfish: Some shellfish can be a source of betaine.

Comparing Dietary Approaches for Increasing DMG

This table outlines the key differences between relying on direct DMG food sources versus precursor-rich foods.


Feature	Direct DMG Sources	Precursor-Rich Sources (Choline, Betaine)
DMG Concentration	Very low, trace amounts.	Indirect; supports the body's natural synthesis of DMG.
Dietary Challenge	Difficult to consume enough food to achieve significant DMG levels.	Easier to integrate into a balanced diet due to common food availability.
Examples	Liver, pumpkin seeds, cereal grains.	Eggs, beets, spinach, quinoa, fish.
Metabolic Impact	Short-term contribution of DMG.	Provides continuous substrate for the body's one-carbon cycle.
Flexibility	Limited food choices, often requires organ meat.	Broad range of foods, offering more dietary variety.

Considerations for Increasing DMG Levels

While a balanced diet rich in precursors is the foundation for supporting DMG production, it is crucial to recognize that the body metabolizes DMG so rapidly that it doesn't build up to high levels. This is why many people who wish to increase their DMG levels for specific therapeutic purposes turn to supplementation. However, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen. The evidence for DMG's effectiveness for many conditions remains mixed, and a doctor can help determine the best approach for individual health needs.

Conclusion

DMG is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative found in minimal amounts in certain foods like seeds, grains, beans, and liver. However, a more effective dietary strategy for supporting the body's dimethylglycine levels involves consuming foods rich in its metabolic precursors, primarily choline and betaine. By incorporating sources like eggs, beets, spinach, and quinoa into your diet, you provide the building blocks your body needs to maintain its intricate metabolic pathways. For those seeking higher concentrations, supplementation is a common option, but it should be approached with professional medical advice. To learn more about DMG and its function, you can explore resources from health institutions like the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Betaine, or trimethylglycine (TMG), is a precursor to DMG. During metabolism, betaine donates one of its three methyl groups to become dimethylglycine (DMG), which then proceeds to donate its own methyl groups in the one-carbon cycle.

While foods contain trace amounts of DMG, it is very difficult to obtain significant levels from diet alone. The body also uses DMG very quickly. For higher concentrations, supplementation is a more direct route.

Foods richest in DMG precursors include eggs, beef liver, and fish (for choline) and beets, spinach, quinoa, and wheat germ (for betaine).

The body primarily uses DMG as a methyl donor within the one-carbon metabolic cycle. This process is vital for creating many cellular compounds, including nucleic acids, neurotransmitters, and other important molecules.

Research into the benefits of DMG is ongoing and evidence is mixed. Some studies suggest it may support immune function, oxygen utilization, and act as an antioxidant. However, more conclusive human studies are needed.

DMG was historically referred to as pangamic acid or vitamin B15, but it is not officially recognized as a vitamin. The biological activity initially attributed to B15 was later found to be due to DMG.

Before taking any DMG supplement, it is best to consult with a healthcare professional. They can help you determine if it is appropriate for your health needs and advise on proper dosage.