Workout stimulants and weight loss supplements—DMAA
1,3 Dimethylamylamine (DMAA) is a compound created by Eli-Lilly in 1948 and then later trademarked as Forthane to be used as a nasal decongestant. Today it is commonly used as a stimulant, nootropic, party drug, and weight loss aid. Several products have claimed that DMAA is extracted from geranium flowers, however careful analysis of the plants has determined this to be mostly false.
As aforementioned, DMAA is an ingredient that is included in workout stimulants and weight loss supplements.
The acronym stands for dimethylamylamine, and DMAA is known by several other names, including 4-methylhexan-diamine, 1, 3 DMAA, Methylhexaneamine, Geranamine, and Forthane, among others.
DMAA is recognized as a neural stimulant and exhibits the same structure as adrenaline and ephedrine. It has been used for pre-workout stimulation and produces sharp spikes of energy like caffeine does, albeit using a different brain mechanism.
DMAA was introduced back in 1948 as a nasal decongestant (to relieve nasal allergies) and could be purchased under the popular name Germanium oil extract. In recent times, DMAA has been used mainly as a neurological stimulant and party pill.
It is discouraged for athletes to use DMAA due to its similarity to amphetamines in terms of structure. It provides a false positive on drug tests for other banned stimulants. Dimethylamylamine is very stimulatory, but has yet to be thoroughly studied in isolation.
The ingredient is featured in over 200 pre-workout supplements and is linked with weight loss as well as muscle development. There is no evidence on the dosage recommended for the ingredient.
However, 10-20 mg seems to be the standard prescription with ranges reaching up to 40-60mg per day.
Although DMAA has been around for several decades, it is still not understood very well and there is no sufficient research material to shed more light into how it really works.
However, manufacturers and some varied studies have revealed that DMAA causes the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that naturally occurs in the brain.
High levels of norepinephrine in the brain come with increased energy, mental alertness, focus, and concentration. It is also believed that DMAA causes the release of dopamine, another neurotransmitter that is linked with improved moods and feelings of euphoria.
When ingested, DMAA passes the digestive system untouched and is absorbed into the bloodstream, where it crosses the blood-brain barrier into the central nervous system to stimulate the release of norepinephrine and dopamine.
The supplements also contain several other ingredients that may result in an energy surplus, mood elevation, and endurance characterized by DMAA products.
There are no supplements that contain only DMAA in the formula; all of them feature only a little amount of the ingredient.
The benefits of DMAA have never been in question, especially since the compound delivers exactly what is promised. As a potent stimulator, DMAA causes quick spikes in energy and stimulates users to perform exceptionally in their workouts.
It was originally offered to remedy nasal congestion, but now serves primarily to improve workout performance for athletes, aid in weight loss, and alleviate symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder).
