Dimethylamino Ethanol (DMAE), a natural amino alcohol found, in small amounts, in the brain, is considered a precursor of choline necessary for the brain to make acetylcholine.

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter in healthy nerve signal conduction and function. As a supplement, DMAE works with gingko biloba and other “smart nutrients”.

DMAE is found in fish, salmon, and especially sardines. The human brain maintains a small amount of DMAE, which plays various crucial functions. DMAE protects the integrity of cell membranes, the deterioration of which can lead to premature aging.

DMAE comes in the form of creams, capsules, and liquid tablets.

More DMAE facts

DMAE is a mood elevator, counteracting depression and bad moods, and raising and improving cognitive functions like memory and concentration.

It may also treat autism, Alzheimer’s, ADHD, memory deficits, depression, and dementia. DMAE can even increase intelligence. These benefits result from DMAE’s role in manufacturing acetylcholine, a substance responsible for healthy mental functioning.

Physicians monitoring patients on DMAE have reported them to be more upbeat and exhibiting greater mental acuity. Those who regularly take DMAE have reported both sleeping more soundly and being more energetic when awake.

One DMAE benefits most promising benefits is that, by stopping the manufacture of arachidonic acid, which can lead to wrinkles and aging of the skin, DMAE promotes healthy skin. DMAE used to stop arachidonic acid production can be either taken internally as a nutritional supplement, or applied as a topical cream

DMAE: What to Watch Out For

While DMAE has no known toxicity, and is considered a very safe supplement, there is no RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) set for it. There are, however, some cautions for people with certain conditions. Read the rest of this entry »

Chromium Nicotinate, a mineral, by regulating the movement of glucose into and out cells, helps control blood glucose levels. Chromium nicotinate has shown promise as a treatment for diabetes.

Chromium nicotinate occurs in brown rice, whole grains, eggs, meat, chicken, dried beans, corn, mushrooms, potatoes, broccoli, fresh fruit, grape juice, Brewer’s yeast, and in calves’ liver.

A diet high in refined sugars and simple carbohydrates will rob the body of take Chromium Nicotinate out of the body while exercise will add it. And because adequate chromium levels are said to increase energy, chromium consumption may increase the energy available for exercise.

Hospital patients receiving intravenous treatments may experience chromium nicotinate deficiency, causing uncontrollably high blood glucose levels.

High doses of chromium, on the other hand, have been reported to cause kidney, liver, and even bone marrow damage.

Benefits of Chromium Nicotinate

Because chromium prevents atherosclerosis, it will maintain cardiovascular health. It can prevent and alleviate inflammation of the cornea, aid in synthesis of serotonin and, if taken at 200 mcg a day,
may help to prevent acne.

Further Benefits of Chromium Nicotinate

While research indicates that chromium is beneficial in lowering blood glucose levels, whether or not it helps with weight loss remains a question as are its muscle building properties. Some scientists question whether we need of chromium at all.

If you are a diabetic who has had success with chromium, your diabetic medicine dosage may need to be adjusted–most probably lowered. It is highly recommended, however, that you consult with your physician.

And, because some experts believe that the benefits of chromium nicotinate are at best negligible, and that humans require a minimal amount, you should consult with your doctor before taking this in larger doses Read the rest of this entry »