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Limited evidencePhysical performance

DMG (Dimethylglycine)

A methyl donor from the choline-betaine pathway, promoted since the 1980s for endurance and immunity. The performance claims were examined decades ago and did not hold up.

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What the science says

  • Athletic performance Limited evidence

    A review of the clinical literature on DMG and L-carnitine as performance enhancers in athletes concluded there was no convincing evidence that DMG improves aerobic capacity or performance. Nothing published since has changed that.

  • Behavioural and neurological effects Limited evidence

    A randomized controlled trial of DMG in autism and pervasive developmental disorder found no significant benefit over placebo. This was the best-designed human test of the compound's most-hyped non-athletic use.

  • Immune function Limited evidence

    Claims about antibody response and immune stimulation come mainly from old animal and poultry work. No human randomized trial supports an immune benefit from DMG supplementation.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseNo effective dose established. Supplement labels typically list 100–300 mg/day; older trials used amounts in that range without benefit.
SafetyGenerally well tolerated at label doses, with no serious adverse effects reported. It is unrelated to pangamic acid ('vitamin B15'), despite being sold under that name historically; products marketed as B15 have had quality and adulteration problems. No data in pregnancy or children.

How to take it

TimingTiming does not matter.
With food?With or without food.
Worth knowingAvoid anything sold as 'vitamin B15' or pangamic acid, which is not a vitamin and has a long history of adulterated products.

Frequently asked questions

Does DMG (dimethylglycine) improve athletic performance?

No, a review of the clinical literature found no convincing evidence that DMG (dimethylglycine) improves aerobic capacity or performance, and nothing since has changed that. The evidence grade for DMG is limited.

Does DMG help autism?

A randomised controlled trial of DMG in autism and pervasive developmental disorder found no significant benefit over placebo. It was the best-designed human test of DMG's most-hyped non-athletic use.

Is DMG the same as vitamin B15?

No, DMG is unrelated to pangamic acid ('vitamin B15'), despite historically being sold under that name, and B15 is not a vitamin. Avoid products sold as vitamin B15, which have a history of adulteration.

Does DMG boost the immune system?

Immune claims for DMG come mainly from old animal and poultry studies, and no human randomised trial supports an immune benefit. The evidence is limited.

Scientific references

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