DMG (Dimethylglycine)

botanical

At a glance

Best for
no use is well supported by controlled trials
Typical dose
100–250 mg/day (marketed ranges)
Time to effect
Not established
Main caution
do not confuse with 'pangamic acid/B15' products of dubious composition
Evidence strength: Weak; key trials (e.g. in autism, athletic performance) were negative or null

What is it

Dimethylglycine (DMG) is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative formed during choline and one-carbon metabolism. It is sold as a supplement promoted for athletic performance, immune support, and behavior, often as the calcium salt. Despite long-standing marketing, controlled human evidence for these uses is weak.

Is it worth it for you?

Worth considering if…

  • You accept it is largely unproven and want to experiment cheaply

Probably skip if…

  • You want evidence-based performance or immune benefits
  • You are treating autism — controlled trials did not support it
  • You expect oxygen-utilization or endurance gains

Evidence at a glance

GoalEvidenceEffectBest fitTime
autism spectrum behaviorMixedNo benefit over placebonone establishedNot established

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

autism spectrum behavior

Supplement benefit
Mixed

Small randomized, placebo-controlled trials of DMG in autistic children found no significant improvement in behavior or communication over placebo. Despite persistent anecdotal use, the controlled evidence is negative.

Effect size: No benefit over placebo
Time to effect: Not established
Best fit: none established
Less likely: children with autism spectrum disorder

Bottom line: Placebo-controlled trials show no behavioral benefit in autism.

Evidence is mixed

Anecdotal reports and some parent surveys claim improvement, but randomized controlled trials did not confirm any effect.

SourceKern et al., 2001 — PubMed· conflictingKato et al., 2021 — PMC· conflicting
SourceKern et al., 2001 — PubMedKato et al., 2021 — PMC

How to take it

Typical dose
Commonly 100–250 mg/day
Timing
Any time of day
With food
With or without food
How long to try
No established trial duration; reassess after a few weeks if used

What to track

  • Whatever symptom you are targeting
  • Any GI or behavioral changes

Safety

Common side effects

Generally well tolerated, Occasional mild GI upset

Who should avoid it

  • Anyone relying on it instead of evidence-based care
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals (no data)

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

No reliable safety data in pregnancy or breastfeeding; avoid.

Choosing a product

Look for

  • Clearly labeled N,N-dimethylglycine (not 'pangamic acid' or 'B15')
  • Defined mg per serving
  • Third-party purity testing

Be skeptical of

  • 'Vitamin B15' or 'pangamic acid' branding
  • Oxygen-utilization or endurance claims
  • Immune-boosting or anti-cancer claims

References by claim

autism spectrum behavior

  • Kern et al., 2001 — PubMed (2001) link
  • Kato et al., 2021 — PMC (2021) link

Track DMG (Dimethylglycine) with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
Evidence-based·Last reviewed May 30, 2026·Evidence current as of May 30, 2026·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.