Dimethylglycine (DMG): What It Is and Why People Try It

Dimethylglycine, or DMG, is a small nutrient made from the amino acid glycine. You’ll see it sold as a supplement for energy, immune support, and even brain function. It’s not a blockbuster drug — think of it as a niche supplement with mixed evidence and lots of user stories. If you’re curious about trying DMG, here’s what to know so you don’t waste money or take unnecessary risks.

What people use DMG for

People take DMG for a few main reasons: to feel more energetic, to support recovery after exercise, to help with mood or focus, and sometimes as part of alternative approaches for developmental conditions. There were small clinical trials and case reports in past decades testing DMG for things like seizure control and developmental delays; results were inconsistent. That means some people report benefits, but large, high-quality studies are missing.

For athletes, a handful of small trials suggested tiny improvements in endurance or recovery, but the effects aren’t dramatic. If you expect a quick performance boost, you’ll likely be disappointed. Think of DMG as something some people use alongside sleep, diet, and training—not a replacement for real medical care.

How to use DMG safely

Common supplement doses range from about 125 mg to 1,000 mg a day; some users take up to 2,000–3,000 mg split across the day. Start low (125–250 mg) and watch how you feel for a week before increasing. If you have epilepsy, a seizure disorder, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or take prescription meds, check with your doctor first — there isn’t enough safety data for those groups.

Side effects are usually mild: stomach upset, headache, or trouble sleeping at higher doses. If you notice new symptoms after starting DMG, stop and talk to your clinician. Because research is limited, long-term safety is not well defined.

When picking a product, choose brands that use third-party testing (USP, NSF, or independent labs) and list the exact DMG amount per serving. Prefer capsules or tablets if you dislike the taste of powders. Avoid blends that hide low doses of DMG behind many other ingredients.

Want real-world tips? Try DMG for a short trial (3–6 weeks) and keep a simple log of sleep, energy, and mood. That shows whether it helps you personally. If you feel no clear benefit after a month, it’s reasonable to stop.

Bottom line: DMG has some interesting history and loyal users, but strong evidence is limited. Use cautious dosing, check product quality, and consult your healthcare provider if you have health conditions or take other medicines. If you want help picking a product or comparing doses, our guides can point you to tested brands and practical next steps.