Deanol (from Deanol Bitartrate)

## Introduction to Deanol (DMAE) Deanol, widely known in the supplement industry as DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol), is a naturally occurring amino alcohol that has a long, complex history in both medicine and nutritional supplementation. Structurally, Deanol is almost identical to choline—an essential nutrient required for brain health and liver function—but it lacks one methyl group. This slight structural difference allows Deanol to cross the blood-brain barrier more easily than standard choline.

Today, Deanol is primarily marketed as a nootropic for memory, focus, and mood enhancement, as well as a topical anti-aging ingredient for skin firmness. However, the scientific reality of Deanol is far more nuanced than supplement marketing suggests. While it does interact with the brain's cholinergic system, it is not the straightforward 'acetylcholine booster' it is often claimed to be.

## The History of Deaner: From Prescription to Supplement To understand Deanol, you have to look back to the 1960s and 1970s. During this era, Deanol was sold by Riker Laboratories as a prescription medication under the brand name **Deaner**. It was primarily prescribed to children suffering from learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and what was then called 'minimal brain dysfunction'—the condition we now recognize as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Initial studies, such as those conducted by Lewis and Young in 1975, showed that Deanol had some efficacy in improving focus and behavior in these children. However, its effects were generally weaker than stimulant medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin). In the 1980s, the FDA initiated the Drug Efficacy Study Implementation (DESI) review, requiring pharmaceutical companies to provide rigorous, modern proof of their drugs' efficacy. Rather than fund expensive new clinical trials for an off-patent compound, the manufacturer voluntarily withdrew Deaner from the market.

Because Deanol is naturally found in small amounts in fish (like sardines and anchovies) and is naturally synthesized in the human brain, it subsequently transitioned into the dietary supplement market, where it remains today.

## How Deanol Works in the Brain For decades, the prevailing theory was that Deanol was a direct precursor to acetylcholine. The logic was simple: Deanol enters the brain, gets a methyl group attached to it to become choline, and is then converted into acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter responsible for learning, memory, and muscle contractions.

Modern neurochemistry has largely debunked this simplistic view. Studies show that Deanol does not reliably increase brain choline or acetylcholine levels. In fact, because its structure is so similar to choline, Deanol actually *competes* with choline for transport into brain cells. Once inside, it can be converted into 'acetyl-DMAE,' a false neurotransmitter that binds to acetylcholine receptors but produces a much weaker signal.

So why do people feel focused when taking Deanol? The benefits likely stem from its incorporation into cell membranes. Deanol is converted into phosphatidyl-dimethylaminoethanol, which integrates into the lipid bilayer of brain cells, altering membrane fluidity and potentially improving the efficiency of various neural receptors.

## Cognitive Benefits and ADHD Research According to Examine.com, the evidence for Deanol as a cognitive enhancer in healthy adults is graded as a 'C' (Low Confidence). There are no recent, large-scale meta-analyses proving that Deanol makes healthy people smarter, improves memory, or prevents cognitive decline like Alzheimer's disease.

For ADHD, the historical data shows minor benefits, but it is considered largely ineffective compared to modern treatments. If you are looking for a cholinergic supplement to boost focus, memory, and learning, compounds like Alpha-GPC and CDP-Choline (Citicoline) have vastly superior clinical backing compared to Deanol.

## The Lucid Dreaming Connection One of the most consistently reported real-world effects of Deanol is its impact on sleep architecture. When taken in the afternoon or evening, Deanol is famous for inducing incredibly vivid, colorful, and sometimes lucid dreams.

This occurs due to its interaction with the cholinergic system. Acetylcholine levels naturally rise during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, which is the phase of sleep where dreaming occurs. By altering cholinergic signaling, Deanol can cause a 'rebound' effect during REM sleep, leading to intense dream recall. However, this can also lead to insomnia or restless sleep in sensitive individuals.

## Topical Deanol for Skin Firmness Interestingly, the strongest clinical evidence for Deanol (Grade B on Examine.com) has nothing to do with the brain. It is highly effective as a topical anti-aging ingredient.

When applied to the skin in a 3% gel or cream, Deanol penetrates the epidermis and stimulates localized acetylcholine release. This causes the superficial facial muscles to gently contract, creating a visible 'tightening' or firming effect on sagging skin. Additionally, it causes a temporary swelling (vacuolization) of skin cells, which mechanically smooths out fine lines and wrinkles.

## Dosage and Bioavailability The standard clinical dose for oral Deanol ranges from 300 mg to 2,000 mg per day. Most users find their 'sweet spot' between 300 mg and 600 mg daily, usually taken in divided doses with meals to prevent stomach upset.

It is crucial to read supplement labels carefully. Deanol is almost always sold as **DMAE Bitartrate**, which is only about 37% active DMAE by weight. Furthermore, some modern pre-workouts and sleep aids include Deanol at laughably low doses. For example, catalog data shows some products containing just 18.5 mg of Deanol—a dose that is entirely subclinical and will provide zero benefits.

For those seeking the cognitive benefits of Deanol, a related compound called **Centrophenoxine (Lucidril)** is highly recommended. Centrophenoxine is a synthetic pro-drug of Deanol that crosses the blood-brain barrier much more effectively and has stronger evidence for anti-aging and memory support.

## Side Effects and Critical Contraindications Deanol is generally well-tolerated at standard doses, but it is not without side effects. Common adverse reactions include: * Overstimulation and insomnia * Headaches * Muscle tension, particularly in the jaw, neck, and shoulders * Gastrointestinal distress (stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea)

**Critical Warnings:** 1. **Pregnancy:** Deanol is considered potentially **teratogenic**. Because it competes with choline—a vital nutrient for fetal brain development—it can cause severe birth defects (neural tube defects). Pregnant women, or those trying to conceive, must strictly avoid Deanol. 2. **Epilepsy:** Deanol lowers the seizure threshold and should never be used by individuals with a history of tonic-clonic seizures. 3. **Psychiatric Conditions:** Deanol can trigger manic episodes in people with Bipolar Disorder and has been shown to worsen symptoms in individuals with Schizophrenia. 4. **Depression:** According to WebMD, Deanol may exacerbate symptoms of clinical depression in some users.