DMAA (1-3 Dimethylamylamine) Usage in Pre Workout Supplements

DMAA (1 3 Dimethylamylamine) is a popular pre-workout and weight loss supplement due to its effect on your central nervous system. Is this supplement safe and legal to use? And what DMAA side effects do you have to be aware of? Find out in this DMAA review.

• What is DMAA?
• Is it Legal to Use?
• How DMAA Works
• Dangers and Side Effects of 1-3 Dimethylamylamine
• Why is DMAA Used in Pre Workouts?
• What Popular Products Contain DMAA?
• What are Other Stimulants Similar to DMAA?

DMAA (1-3 Dimethylamylamine) Usage in Pre-Workout Supplements
When it comes to notorious pre workout, weight loss, and energy supplements, few ingredients have the reputation of DMAA. Categorized as a derivative of amphetamine, DMAA (1-3 dimethylamylamine) has a chemical structure and list of effects that produces a similar effect on the body as adrenaline, a stress response hormone and ephedrine, a central nervous system stimulant.

Let’s answer the question of “what is DMAA?” as well as explore why DMAA pre-workouts were so popular and the dangers presented by the compound.

What is DMAA?

DMAA can also be found on product packaging under one of the following names:

• 1,3-DMAA
• 1,3-Dimethylamylamine
• 1,3-Dimethylpentylamine
• 2-Amino-4-methylhexane
• 2-Hexanamine, 4-methyl- (9CI)
• 4-Methyl-2-hexanamine
• 4-Methyl-2-hexylamine
• Dimethylamylamine
• Geranamine
• Methylhexanamine
• Methylhexaneamine

DMAA, or 1,3-dimethylamylamine, is a synthetic compound originally developed as a nasal decongestant. Over time, it found a new role in the world of dietary supplements, primarily used for its stimulant effects.

Uses of DMAA

DMAA gained popularity for its ability to enhance workout performance and assist in fat loss. Here's how it was typically used:

• Energy Boosting: As a powerful stimulant, DMAA was often included in pre-workout supplements to help increase focus, energy, and overall performance during exercise sessions.

• Fat Burning: Known for its thermogenic properties, DMAA was also a key ingredient in various fat-burning products. It was believed to help enhance fat oxidation and aid in appetite suppression.

Safety and Regulations

Despite its benefits, DMAA's safety has been a subject of concern. Here's a summary of its legal status and associated risks:

• Side Effects: Users reported several side effects, such as cardiovascular complications, central nervous system stimulation, and sleep disturbances.

• Regulatory Actions: Due to these safety concerns, DMAA faced significant regulatory actions. It has been banned in many countries, including a prohibition in sports by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and its listing as a controlled substance in places like Australia. The FDA also considers DMAA illegal for sale as a dietary ingredient in the U.S.

Alternatives to DMAA

Given the regulatory landscape and potential side effects, many individuals now consider safer alternatives. Popular substitutes include caffeine, L-Theanine, TeaCrine®, and Beta-Alanine, which can provide energy-boosting effects without the associated risks.

Conclusion

Before considering DMAA or any stimulant-based supplements, it's crucial to consult with healthcare professionals and review its legal status in your region. While DMAA once held a prominent position in the supplement industry, understanding its uses and implications is key to making informed decisions about your health and fitness goals.

Origins of DMAA: Is It Naturally Derived?

DMAA, or 1,3-dimethylamylamine, is a synthetic compound. Despite claims by some early supplement marketers suggesting that DMAA comes from natural sources like the geranium plant (Pelargonium graveolens), this connection lacks strong scientific backing. Historically, geraniums have been prominent in the perfume industry for their aromatic properties. However, the assertion that DMAA is extracted from this plant does not hold up under scrutiny.

Scientific Findings

Research, including a notable study by Pieter in 2012, has largely debunked the notion that DMAA is naturally derived from geraniums. Instead, evidence shows that the DMAA found in dietary supplements is typically manufactured through synthetic processes. Originally, DMAA was introduced as a synthetic pharmaceutical, specifically used as a nasal decongestant.

Conclusion

In summary, while the idea of DMAA being naturally sourced may appeal to some, scientific research firmly supports its synthetic origins. When encountering DMAA in supplements, it's important for consumers to be aware of its man-made nature.

Is it Legal to Use?

According to the Food and Drug Administration website, in the United States of America, DMAA is not a legal substance to be used for dietary products or prescription medication. While it was once a popular nasal decongestant, much like DMHA, it has been banned by the FDA for all uses.

The FDA has taken action to ensure DMAA-based products have been pulled from store shelves and online marketing: the organization contacted businesses promoting DMAA products, requesting that they discontinue them. While most companies did cooperate, those that did not were administratively detained.

The most famous examples of DMAA-based products being pulled by the FDA were OxyElite Pro and Jack3d from the brand USPLabs. This happened after the company refused to voluntarily comply with FDA orders.

Despite this ban, there is a chance that you may come across supplements and medications that contain DMAA, especially if you’re shopping online or in other countries. The FDA warns against buying and using any products that contain the compound due to DMAA side effects, which include chest tightness, shortness of breath, anxiety, and heart attack.

Understanding the Importance of Professional Consultation and Legal Status Checks for DMAA

When considering the use of substances like DMAA or similar ingredients, it's crucial to ensure your safety and legality. Here's why:

1. Health and Safety Concerns:

   • Expert Guidance: Consulting with healthcare professionals is essential because they can assess your personal health history and provide advice tailored to your specific needs. DMAA has been associated with several health risks, including increased blood pressure and heart problems.
   • Risk Mitigation: Professionals can help identify any potential interactions with other supplements or medications you might be taking, reducing the risk of adverse effects.

2. Legal Implications:

   • Varying Regulations: The legal status of DMAA varies around the world and can change over time. Some countries have banned it, while others might have specific restrictions.
   • Compliance: By checking the current legal status, you can ensure that you are in compliance with local laws, avoiding any legal repercussions.

3. Quality Assurance:

   • Reliable Products: Professionals can guide you to products that have been tested and certified by reputable third-party organizations. This can ensure product purity and that you are indeed getting what is advertised.

4. Improved Results:

   • Optimal Use: Consulting with experts can help you understand the effective and safe ways to use such ingredients, potentially enhancing their benefits while minimizing unwanted side effects.

In summary, taking the step to consult professionals and verify the legal status before using DMAA ensures not only your safety but also helps in making informed decisions that comply with legal standards.

Legal Status of DMAA in Various Regions and Organizations

The legal landscape surrounding DMAA (1,3-dimethylamylamine) is quite complex, reflecting varying stances across different countries and regulatory bodies.

United States

In the U.S., DMAA is not approved as a dietary supplement ingredient. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has explicitly stated that products containing DMAA cannot be marketed as dietary supplements, rendering its sale in this form illegal.

Australia

Australia classifies DMAA as a Schedule 10 substance under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) regulations. This classification is reserved for substances considered highly dangerous, hence prohibiting its sale, supply, and use. As such, importing DMAA or products containing it is banned.

New Zealand and Canada

These countries have followed a similar trajectory to Australia, with bans in place on the use and distribution of DMAA-containing products.

Military Use

The US military enacted a precautionary ban on DMAA in 2012, responding to concerns about its safety, even in the absence of conclusive evidence of harm.

Sports Organizations

On the global sports stage, DMAA is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). It features on WADA's Prohibited List, and athletes who test positive for DMAA face potential sanctions, underscoring its status as a banned substance in competitive sports.

Summary

Overall, the consensus among various countries and organizations has been to restrict or prohibit DMAA due to safety concerns. This reflects a cautious approach to its use, especially in environments related to health and sports.

How DMAA Works?

DMAA (1 3 dimethylamylamine) is considered a vasodilator and central nervous system stimulant. This means that is will constrict blood vessels and arteries, which can be dangerous for anyone with previous cardiovascular health issues including blood pressure problems.

As a nervous system stimulant, DMAA promotes the release of fight-or-flight hormones, adrenaline, while simultaneously activating the brain’s reward and pleasure center much like dopamine would.

Dangers and Side Effects of 1 3 Dimethylamylamine

Given the rise in blood pressure and stress-response hormones, this sets the stage for potential issues with neurological and psychological side effects.

• Unsafe Spikes in Blood Pressure: Studies show that as a central nervous system stimulant, DMAA can quickly increase your heart rate and blood pressure. While this may not be a concern for some, if you have prior cardiovascular issues, supplementing with DMAA could result in hospitalization due to unsafe spikes in blood pressure and heart rate. Some experts warn that this could trigger more serious complications such as a heart attack.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Studies show that users of DMAA frequently report feeling nausea that causes them to vomit. This could be a combination of its effect on your central nervous system paired with it being fairly harsh on the stomach. This effect was reported to be especially bad when DMAA is taken on an empty stomach.
• False Positive Result: Amphetamines have long been banned from athletic organizations as they are considered a performance-enhancing drug. DMAA can cause a false positive for amphetamines. Users of DMAA can be banned or suspended because of a false positive, even if they’ve never consumed a banned substance.
• Liver Health: The liver is the filtration center of the body. It helps to remove harmful compounds found in the environment and diet. Studies found that DMAA had a hepatotoxic effect, which means that it was harmful to the liver. Out of the people who were hospitalized in the study, some needed a liver transplant while another person died.
• Mental Health: DMAA pushes you into a fight-or-flight mode with the release of adrenaline, which may cause elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and unstable mood swings. Consistent use of DMAA may exacerbate prior mental health issues such as depression.

Why is DMAA Used in Pre Workouts?

Before it became a banned substance, DMAA powder pre-workouts were a favorite due to their effect on energy and performance. Here are the most popular reasons why DMAA was used in pre workout supplements.

• Energy Booster: Studies show that DMAA-based supplements can increase energy levels by stimulating the central nervous system, promoting the increase in blood pressure and releasing adrenaline. One of the primary reasons that DMAA was used in so many pre-workout supplements is that it has been shown to boost energy levels and support workout performance (as we’ll see below).
• Weight Loss: One study found that a DMAA supplement was able to promote fat oxidation and weight loss over the course of an eight-week trial. Aside from having a direct impact on burning fat, DMAA can increase energy levels, thereby supporting caloric expenditure.
• Nootropic: For students, DMAA was a popular nootropic or brain-boosting supplement. Studies show that when subjects took the DMAA-based supplement 30 minutes before a test, it resulted in improved memory, visual processing speed, and reaction time. However, researchers made a note that the improvement was average and not above and beyond. For example, supplementing with caffeine would produce the same response.
• Athletic Performance: An animal-based study with a DMAA supplement found that the physical performance of the subjects significantly improved. Rats given the supplement were shown to improve in running distance and overall running time.

What Benefits Does DMAA Provide for Bodybuilding?

DMAA, widely favored by bodybuilders, boasts several advantages that cater specifically to enhancing workout performance and results:

• Energy Boost: Serving as a powerful stimulant, DMAA can ramp up your energy levels. This surge in vitality is particularly beneficial for powering through high-intensity training sessions.

• Sharp Focus: Many athletes report sharpened focus when using DMAA, allowing for concentration that can sustain demanding exercises, ensuring every rep and set is executed with precision.

• Fat Burning Aid: Known for its thermogenic effects, DMAA helps increase metabolic rate, making it an effective component for burning fat. This is especially useful when aiming to shed excess pounds during a cutting phase.

• Improved Endurance: Users often feel an enhanced ability to push past normal limits. With DMAA, there's potential for prolonged endurance, translating to more productive workouts with less perceived physical strain.

• Intense Sensation: Unlike many pre-workout supplements that expand blood vessels, DMAA causes vasoconstriction. This effect may amplify the perception of workout intensity, motivating some users to push themselves harder.

While DMAA offers these appealing benefits, it's important to consider its powerful effects and ensure it's used appropriately in any fitness regimen.

DMAA aids fat loss through several key mechanisms:

• Thermogenesis: DMAA can boost the body's metabolic rate, leading to increased energy expenditure. This thermogenic effect helps burn more calories and, consequently, fat.

• Appetite Suppression: Users have reported that DMAA can reduce appetite, which may lead to lower calorie intake. This is beneficial for anyone aiming to create a calorie deficit for effective weight loss.

• Increased Energy: As a powerful stimulant, DMAA elevates energy levels, enabling individuals to maintain or even enhance their exercise intensity and duration, which results in additional calories burned.

• Enhanced Fat Oxidation: There is evidence suggesting that DMAA may increase the rate at which the body utilizes fat for energy, particularly during physical activities.

By leveraging these mechanisms, DMAA can effectively support weight loss efforts, offering a multi-faceted approach to burning fat and increasing energy levels.

Recommended Doses and Timing for DMAA Consumption

When DMAA was widely available in dietary supplements, dosages typically ranged between 25 mg and 75 mg per serving. The specific amount often varied based on the product's purpose, such as pre-workout or fat-burning supplements. For beginners, it was advisable to start with half a serving to gauge tolerance before progressing to a full serving.

Timing Considerations

Timing was crucial for maximizing the benefits of DMAA. Most users opted to take DMAA supplements about 20-30 minutes before a workout to harness its stimulant effects. Given its energizing properties, it was best to avoid taking these supplements in the evening or near bedtime to prevent potential sleep disturbances.

What Popular Products Contain DMAA?

The majority of products that contain DMAA are dietary supplements specifically for weight loss and pre-workout energy. Here are a few famous examples:

• USP Labs: Oxy Elite Pro and Jack3D
• Fahrenheit Nutrition: Lean Efx
• SEI Pharmaceuticals: MethylHex 4,2
• Nutrex Research: Hemo Rage Black, Lipo-6 Black Ultra Concentrate, Lipo-6 Black, Lipo-6 Black Hers Ultra Concentrate, and Lipo-6 Black Hers
• Line One Nutrition: Fat Burning Lean Pills

To see the full list of companies that were sent a cease and desist letter, click here.

What are Other Stimulants Similar to DMAA?

If you are a former DMAA user and you're looking for something comparable without the side effects, or you are seeking a proven and safe energy booster to start with, here are a few options to consider:

• Caffeine: A staple of pre-workout supplements, caffeine can produce similar effects to DMAA in terms of energy boosting, increased nootropic effects, and performance enhancement.

• Synephrine: More commonly referred to as bitter orange extract, synephrine is a popular weight loss ingredient that has been shown in several studies to promote fat loss, calorie expenditure, and weight management.

• Hordenine: Structurally similar to synephrine, hordenine is another compound often found in both weight loss and performance-enhancement supplements.

For those exploring further options, there are additional alternatives that can complement or substitute DMAA effectively:

• L-Theanine: Known for its calming effects, when paired with caffeine, it provides a balanced energy boost without jitters, making it ideal for sustained focus.

• Teacrine®: Think of this as caffeine's cousin. It provides an alertness boost without the crash, allowing for longer-lasting energy.

• Beta-Alanine: While not a direct stimulant, this amino acid helps you power through intense workouts by reducing muscle fatigue.

• Citrulline Malate: Enhance your workout experience with this option, which improves blood flow and gives your muscles that pumped feeling.

• Taurine: Often found in energy drinks, taurine supports overall health and energy levels, offering benefits beyond a simple pick-me-up.

• B Vitamins: These are essential for energy production in the body, ensuring everything is running smoothly and efficiently.

• Rhodiola Rosea: This natural herb is like a chill pill for your body, helping you manage stress while maintaining mental sharpness.

• Capsaicin: Known for its fiery punch in chili peppers, capsaicin can rev up your metabolism, making it a unique addition to your routine.

• Huperzine A: If brain fog is an issue, this supplement aids in focus and concentration, particularly useful during workouts.

By considering these options, you can find a stimulant or combination that aligns with your goals, whether it's energy, focus, or physical performance.

Conclusion

A central nervous system stimulant, DMAA (1-3 Dimethylamylamine) is a banned ingredient that can no longer be used in dietary supplements or prescription medications. That hasn’t stopped some companies from offering it under the guise of different names. While you may want a supplement that skyrockets your energy levels and supports athletic performance, you should not look towards DMAA.

Given its shady supplement reputation, long list of side effects, and banned status by the FDA, this is one ingredient that is more trouble than it’s worth.