DMAE
DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) is a small organic compound closely related to choline. It is used in supplements and, under the name deanol, in skin creams.
Also listed as Dimethylaminoethanol, dimethylethanolamine, Deanol (cream)
What it is studied for
The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.
Is DMAE a form of choline?
Dimethylaminoethanol, or DMAE, is structurally similar to choline. A proposed conversion into choline has been investigated, but a rat-and-mouse study did not find that conversion. Chemical similarity alone does not establish a cognitive benefit. 1
Why people take it
SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.
Questions people ask
Does DMAE reliably raise choline?
The cited animal study found no increase in serum choline and no conversion of DMAE into choline; these are animal findings, not a human supplementation trial. 1
Does the trial prove safety for healthy users?
No. It studied people with substantial Alzheimer’s disease and reported withdrawals for adverse effects. 2