Dimethylglycine (DMG), also known as Dimethyl Glycine, Calcium Pangamate, Pangamatic Acid, Pangamic Acid, and Vitamin B15, provides benefits for many individuals with autistic spectrum disorders. Proponents of DMG claim that it can improve eye contact, frustration tolerance, speech, and interest in interacting socially; decrease self-harm and aggressive behaviour toward others; improve immune function; and boost athletic performance.
Research Findings
Although two clinical trials of DMG for the treatment of autism found no improvements, one of these used a very low amount of DMG and a small subject pool. A third clinical trial conducted more recently, involving 84 subjects, found that DMG decreased problematic behaviours in those with autism (Edelson, 2002). There is also anecdotal evidence from parents, medical professionals, and caretakers suggesting that DMG does provide benefits for some children with autism (Autism Research Institute, 2011).
Of 5,807 Autism Research Institute ratings by parents of autistic children, 42% saw improvements with DMG supplementation, 51% saw no change, and 8% said symptoms worsened. Of 230 parent ratings of DMG for treating Asperger's syndrome symptoms, 40% reported improvements, 49% found no effect, and 11% said that their children grew worse.
Theoretical Basis
Some believe that autism stems from deficiencies in certain nutrients, though there is not sufficient evidence to prove this hypothesis at this time. DMG does help with certain conditions that often occur in those with autistic spectrum disorders. Many of those with autism have dysfunctional immune systems, and some have seizures. DMG boosts immune function and has been shown to decrease seizure activity in some cases (Autism Research Institute, 2008).
Safety
DMG is relatively safe, with no known serious side effects. A few parents have reported hyperactivity or agitation after giving their children DMG. Taking a folic acid supplement reduces the likelihood of this symptom occurring and may even increase the effectiveness of the DMG itself (Edelson, 2002).
Dose
According to Dr. Stephen M. Edelsen, the recommended dose for DMG for a child is one to four 125-mg tablets per day; for adults, the dose is 2-8 tablets. The daily amount should be gradually built up, starting with just a single tablet for an adult and half a tablet for a child, increasing the amount in increments of one tablet every couple of days. DMG is also available in capsule and liquid forms.
TMG
Trimethylglycine, or TMG, is a supplement that breaks down into SAMe (a nutritional supplement used to treat depression and other mood disorders) and DMG. There have been no published studies regarding this supplement’s efficacy, though anecdotal reports from parents suggest that it may help some children with autistic spectrum disorders (Edelson, 2002).
Consult a Physician
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be taken as medical advice. If you are interested in using vitamin and mineral supplements to treat autism, depression or other conditions, you should consult your family physician.
Further Reading
For parent ratings of other medications and supplements for autism, see the Autism Research Institute’s Parent Ratings of Behavioural Effects of Biomedical Interventions.
For information on other supplements for autistic spectrum disorders, see Treating Autism with Vitamin B6 and Vitamin A and Urecholine for Autism.
References:
- Autism Research Institute. (2008). "Dimethylglycine (DMG) for Autism." Legacy.Autism.com.
- Edelson, S. (2002). “Di-methyl-glycine (DMG).” Center for the Study of Autism, Autism Research Institute, Autism.org.
- ResearchAutism.net. (2011). “Dimethylglycine and Autism.”
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