Dr. Smith with Your Health

DMG (Dimethylglycine) and the Immune Response

by Dr. Brian A. Smith, D.C.

DMG is an amino acid that is predominantly found in grains. It is a member of the family of nutrients that include choline, betaine (trimethyl-glycine), sarcosine (methylglycine) and glycine. This family of compounds supplies the body with an essential biochemical group (a methyl group) that allows conversions of substances in the bodies intricate biochemical pathways.

Several years ago a substance called vitamin B-15 was making news in nutrition circles. Also called pangamic acid or calcium pangamate, this substance was eventually determined not to be a vitamin and ordered off the market by the FDA. DMG is a chemical analogue of this vitamin, that is to say, though not chemically identical, it has a similar chemical action. In fact it is a part of pangamic acid, the other part being gluconic acid. Gluconic acid is involved in the metabolism of a simple sugar, glucose.

Two research projects have been completed studying the relationship of DMG to immune functions. The immune system is a complex network of white blood cells and molecular compounds such as antibodies and interferon. Antibodies are proteins that react with specific antigens (germs) and interferon is an antiviral, antitumor compound produced by T cells. There are several types of interferon: alpha, beta and gamma being the three most known.

The immune system has three main types of lymphocytes: T cells that identify and reject foreign matter, B cells that produce antibodies and K cells that attack tumors directly. Immune response is affected by many factors including diet, age, digestive ability, drugs and infections such as a candida infection.

The first research project, done at the Medical University of South Carolina (published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, Vol.143, No.1, Jan.1981, pp.101-105) yielded the following results. Using 120 mg. DMG for eight weeks resulted in an average of a four-fold increase in antibody production in-vivo (in the body, not a test tube) when exposed to pneumovax-SSS and a "significant" increase when exposed to streptokinase -streptodornase antigen. A third antigen, concanavalin A showed little difference in the control and DMG treated groups response. This antibody response, or humoral response, is accomplished by the B-lymphocytes. A second part of this project demonstrated the T-lymphocyte response. In normal subjects the T cell activity was increased by more than 50%. Even more important was the fact that subjects with a less than normal lymphocyte activity, in this case due to sickle cell anemia or diabetes, there was a two- to three-fold increase in lymphocyte response. As these patients are more susceptible to infections, DMG may be an especially important nutrient.

A second study at Clemson University showed similar results. The anti-body production to typhoid and influenza antigen in rabbits increased three- to five-fold. T cell populations were also increased. Further, the study demonstrated a doubling of the interferon production of T cells.

Other effects of DMG have been studied for over thirty years. The earliest interest in this nutrient stems from it's effect on athletes. In 1965 it was established that DMG increases the oxygen utilization within the cell. This alone will increase the amount of exercise one can perform. It also is useful for people travelling to higher elevations. Research at USC School of Medicine in 1979 showed that the amount of lactic acid buildup in muscles after exercise is decreased with the use of DMG. Lactic acid is thought to be one of the factors in muscular soreness after exercise.

Blood sugar levels are increased by using DMG. DMG causes the adrenal glands to secrete more corticosteroids which increase blood sugar levels, as well as affect protein and fat metabolism. It has been found to enhance liver function and to lower cholesterol levels by increasing synthesis and secretion of bile. Some skin conditions, including psoriasis and eczema, have benefitted from DMG supplementation. It also acts as an antioxidant preventing the actions of free radicals which may damage the cells of the immune system.

For our purposes, the immune enhancing effect is of particular importance. The dosages used were 120 mg. per day. Doses of the equivalent of 130 g. (130,000 mg) have been shown to be safe with no side effects. Tablets are available in varying dosages from 50 to 125 mg. Daily intake should be at least 100 mg. for immune stimulatory effects. In my experience, the tablets are more effective when allowed to dissolve under the tongue. When swallowed, the "first stop" is the liver where a large percentage will be used up. The cost for this nutrient is nominal, approximately $25.00 for a one month supply depending on the amount taken.

The purpose of this article is to provide information only and should not be construed as a recommendation of a course of action. Please consult with a qualified health professional before making any decisions regarding your treatment.

Dr. Brian A. Smith is a chiropractic doctor and naturopathic physician who has specialized in the treatment of immune-suppressed individuals since 1987. He is a scientific advisory board member of AIDS ReSEARCH Alliance.

He maintains a private practice in Los Angeles and can be reached at (323) 306-4909. Questions from readers are welcome as are suggestions for future articles. You can also contact him via E-mail at: Send e-mail to Dr. Smith

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Articles by Dr. Brian A. Smith:

HIV and CHIRO † VITAMIN C † BETA-CAROTENE † MINERALS † DMG † PROTEIN † DIET & HIV † MORE ON PROTEIN † NUTRITION † DHEA † LIVER † CHIRO † NAC † SILVER † ALT THERAPIES †