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1,3-dimethylamylamine (DMAA) is a synthetically produced neural stimulant used as a key ingredient in dietary supplements to improve athletic performance and provide increased energy. In terms of chemical structure, it is similar to Ephedrine.
It is also known as methylhexanamine and can be traded under the names Forthane and Geranamine.
Although originally introduced as a nasal decongestant, it is now used for a variety of reasons including as a supplement for enhancing athletic performance, weight loss, and attention deficit-hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Some bodybuilders use DMAA as a pre-workout stimulant as well.
Not much is known about 1,3-dimethylamylamine. And this problem is further exacerbated with the shortage of research data and dubious claims by certain manufacturers.
Dosage instructions for 1,3-dimethylamylamine
Before using DMAA to stimulate increase in mental energy and focus, it is important to read the dosage recommendations by the manufacturer. Its overuse may lead to adverse effects.
For best results, DMAA should not be consumed on a daily basis. Instead, you can use it as a part of a cycle with the periods of use evenly spaced out and interspersed with periods of non-use. The goal, here, is to avoid dependence on DMAA supplements.
A common lower dosage range of 1,3-dimethylamylamine based supplement or product is around 10-20 mg and it can eventually reach higher ranges of up to 40-60 mg.
You should note, however, that these dosage ranges are not based on any form of scientific evidence. Instead, these values are derived from usage recommendations of the manufacturers of DMAA supplements available in the market.
It is typically used half an hour before the workout, study session, or any other time when your body requires extra energy or sharper focus. You may take up multiple low doses in a day. However, one daily administration is often considered enough.
After the dosage, the effects may last up to many hours. After that, some people may experience an energy ‘crash’ in which a sudden drop in energy levels may be observed.
Some people may also find that the effects of using DMAA products are too over-powering and are do not improve brain function. Instead of enhanced focus, some users may experience increased anxiety which makes it even harder to focus than usual.
It is due to some of the potential adverse affects that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed DMAA products unsafe and advises consumers not to purchase any dietary supplement containing DMAA. (1)
Due to the lack of substantial and authoritative scientific research on 1,3-dimethylamylamine, the effects of DMAA-based products are not fully understood. However, according to some of the claims, DMAA is primarily responsible for the release of norepinephrine.
Norepinephrine is among the neurotransmitters that, when released, may lead to increase in the levels of energy, focus, attention, and mental alertness.
When entered into the body, 1,3-dimethylamylamine passes the intestinal tract to be absorbed in the bloodstream. It travels along the bloodstream, crosses the blood brain barrier and enters the central nervous system to stimulate the release of neurotransmitters.
Some manufacturers also claim that 1,3-dimethylamylamine also stimulates the release of another powerful neurotransmitter, dopamine, which is a mood enhancing agent.
1,3-dimethylamylamine benefits
Based on some of the claims made by the manufacturers of DMAA-based products or supplements, 1,3-dimethylamylamine can be said to primarily serve as a central nervous system stimulant. The potential benefits of these products are primarily related to an enhancement of the cognitive ability.
In simple terms, the use of 1,3-dimethylamylamine may lead to an increase in energy and focus. It is due to these purported benefits that many students and professional workers use DMAA products for heightened senses and an increase in focus.
Since DMAA-based products may lead to a release of dopamine, they can also lead to a sensation of temporary euphoria. This includes an improved mood and a general feeling of happiness.
Some bodybuilders and weight training athletes use 1,3-dimethylamylamine supplements as well. The energy release functions of DMAA products make them an effective pre-workout support. The enhanced cognitive ability, in addition to the increased strength, can provide an added focus and motivation.
The enhanced focus and energy can further increase tolerance to pain and improve stamina. This provides valuable support during intense workout sessions.
Research suggests the use of 1,3-dimethylamylamine may cause vasoconstriction. This means that the blood vessels are constricted to increase blood pressure. This occurs without a corresponding increase in the heart rate. (2)
The increased blood pressure can stimulate muscle growth at lower intensity levels. But the level of increase in blood pressure depends upon the dosage.
1,3-dimethylamylamine side effects
Although the consumption of 1,3-dimethylamylamine leads to a spike in energy levels, some users report a subsequent rapid drop or ‘crash’ in these energy levels a few hours after its use. Along with the drop in energy levels, the crash may also lead to a change in mood.
The FDA warns consumers about the variety of potential side effects caused by the use of DMAA-based products. According to the FDA, the vasoconstriction or the narrowing of blood vessels caused by 1,3-dimethylamylamine can lead to cardiovascular problems such as heart attack, seizures, shortness of breath, and tightening in the chest.
Other potential adverse effects, according to the FDA, may include arrhythmias, neurological conditions, psychiatric disorders, nervous system disorders and, in certain extreme cases, even death. (3)
However, it should be noted that research suggests that many of the adverse outcomes associated with the use of DMAA-based products are simply due to the overuse of the product. (4) These effects can be avoided by sticking to the regular dosage range of around 25-75 mg at a time.
To avoid some of the side effects of DMAA-based products, bodybuilders and weight trainers, should opt for foods with high protein content instead.
Safety precautions
Due to the similarity with amphetamine-based products, 1,3-dimethylamylamine can cause false positives for amphetamines in doping tests. (5)
The World Anti-Doping Agency has included it in its 2010 list of prohibited substances. The American military has also restricted its use. Various countries, like Australia and Canada, are also taking active measures to prohibit its use.
Summary: If you are looking for supplements to enhance cognitive functions and provide increased energy, DMAA-based supplements can do the trick. However, due to a shortage of available research on its effects and some of the possible side effects, it is better to use safer alternatives.
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