Dimethylglycine (DMG) for Autism
Bernard Rimland, Ph.D.
Autism Research Institute
4182 Adams Avenue
San Diego, CA 92116
For over 20 years ARI has been hearing from parents who have tried DMG on their autistic children. In many cases remarkably good results have been seen, especially in enhancing speech. In some cases, drug-resistant seizures have been stopped by DMG. (See New England Journal of Medicine, 10-21-82, pgs 1081-82).
There is an extensive research literature on the safety and health benefits of DMG. Many studies have shown that DMG enhances the effectiveness of the immune system, improves the physical and athletic performance of humans and other animals (e.g. race horses) and has, all in all, a very wide range of beneficial effects. It is very safe. I have seen no evidence of any toxic or significant adverse effects. DMG is available in many health food stores in small, foil-sealed 125mg tablets from Food Science Laboratories. Ask for the original Aangamik DMG or for further information from the company, call toll-free at 800-992-8451. We recommend the foil-wrapped tablets or the DMG in 125mg capsules offered by mail from the Kirkman Company. Their toll-free phone number is 888-KIRKMAN. From outside the U.S., the number is 503-694-1600.
Dimethylglycine is technically classified as a food. It is found, in very small amounts, in some foods, such as brown rice and liver. Chemically and physiologically, it resembles the water-soluble vitamins, such as the B vitamins. The main reason it is not classified as a vitamin is that there are no specific symptoms associated with a deficiency of DMG.
Many parents have reported that, within a few days of starting DMG, the child's behavior improved noticeably, better eye contact was seen, frustration tolerance increased, the child's speech improved, or more interest and ability in speaking was observed.
For a pre-school child, I would start with 1/2 of a 125mg tablet or capsule a day, with breakfast, for a few days, or one tablet a day for a larger child. I would go up, gradually, to one to four tablets a day for a child, and to 2 to 8 tablets per day for an adult. If there is an initial increase in hyperactivity (rare) reduce the dosage. If the hyperactivity continues, the child may be telling you, in effect, that he or she needs more folic acid. Folic acid is a very safe B-vitamin. Purchase some 800mcg folic acid tablets and give two of these with each 125mg of DMG.
If you try DMG on an autistic child or adult, please write to let us know: how long before effects were seen, what effects were observed in such areas as: behavior, appetite, sleep, speech, alertness, activity level, etc. In 5% or 10% of the cases, there is initial hyperactivity. Let me know if you see any adverse effects (very unlikely).
I am especially interested in receiving notes from parents about comments made by teachers, neighbors, relatives, etc., who were not aware that the child was taking the DMG.
If you are just starting out, I suggest giving the DMG for 2-3 weeks then adding the B6/magnesium (which should also be started gradually: write to us for publication 39F). When you start a trial of DMG, don't confuse the results by simultaneously starting other vitamins, drugs, or other forms of treatment that might make it difficult to tease out the effects of DMG from the effects of the other things tried. If the child is already taking vitamin B6 and magnesium, or anything else that is helpful, there is no reason to stop taking the B6 (or whatever). The DMG is merely a highly concentrated food. It may in fact improve the effectiveness of the B6.
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