Supplemens containing dmaa: myths and truths

Abstract

1,3-Dimethylamylamine (DMAA) is a linear chain aliphatic amine which has sympathomimetic properties and has been present in a wide variety of dietary supplements with purposes to improve weight loss and physical performance. Supplements containing this ingredient were the targets of major investigations due to the large divergences of information found in the literature such as: controversies as to its origin, whether natural or not, and the association of this ingredient with several adverse cases on health that resulted in the prohibition of marketing. A literature review about DMAA effects resulted in: Seventeen studies that associated the adverse effects on health and 16 clinical studies on doses of DMAA alone, combined or combined with ingredients in supplements under more controlled conditions. In fact, the whole discussion about DMAA does not result in a labelling it as harmful or safe, since on the one hand most of the adverse effects presented occurred in uncontrolled environments, being associated with several factors such as: high doses and/or unknown, association with alcohol and/or other drugs types and strenuous physical activity. On the other hand, most of the clinical studies were conducted by a single research group financed by the company itself that manufactured these products. Thus, to try to clarify the effects associated with DMAA, the aim of this review was to address the acute and chronic effects of the use to the several doses of isolate DMAA, in combination with other substances, and in the form of dietary supplements.