Download DMG: A Nutrient for the New Millennium

DMG: A Nutrient for the New Millennium
Margaret A. Wissman, DVM
DMG, short for dimethylglycine, is a nutritional supplement
that can provide wonderful benefits to humans and animals.
Even though we are not aware of it, our bodies use DMG
every day. Humans and animals produce DMG in small
amounts, and it affects nearly every metabolic pathway
within each cell of the body. At the end of this paper, there is
additional technical and scientific information for those who
wish to learn more.
Here is what you need to know about DMG:
It provides useful building units for biosynthesis of vitamins,
hormones, neurotransmitters, antibodies, nucleic acids and
other metabolically active molecules. It can be helpful in
virtually all species of animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits,
ferrets, rodents, reptiles and birds.
DMG is one of the nutrients found in the Young Again
supplement, Immune and Digestive Support and in all Young
Again foods. Many veterinarians have discovered the unique
and wonderful properties of this new supplement.
Laboratory and clinical research indicates that DMG
supplementation can be used effectively as a nutritional
adjunct to a number of health issues in pets.
These include:
• Cardiovascular problems
• Glucose metabolism
• Autoimmune disorders
• Allergies
• Cancer/tumors
• Liver diseases
• Respiratory problems
• Immune response deficiencies
• Neurological disorders
Let’s look at many of the specific conditions that Immune and
Digestive Support containing DMG may help your pets.
DMG for Seizuring Animals, Ferrets with Insulinoma
DMG increases the threshold for seizures and can reduce
seizures in all types of animals. In some cases, if DMG is
added to a seizuring animal’s therapy, it may decrease the
amount of anticonvulsants required by an animal. This can
be very beneficial for ferrets suffering from insulinoma, until
the blood sugar issues are under control. Diet plays a huge
role in helping stabilize a ferret suffering from insulinoma,
and Young Again Ferret Food is one very positive step
in improving the health of a ferret. In some cases, an
insulinoma may present as a solitary tumor in the pancreas,
but for most ferrets, the lesions are microscopic infiltrates,
and surgery is not considered the best way to treat this
condition. Some veterinarians recommend surgically
removing approximately 1/3 of the pancreas, usually the
tail, however, the pancreas is a delicate organ and surgery
is not always beneficial.
DMG and the Immune System
DMG improves immune response by increasing resistance
to disease and infection. It has antiviral and antibacterial
properties and can modulate the inflammatory response.
DMG and Tumors
A study was performed at Baylor University using mice and
melanoma cells. Mice were injected with melanoma cells
and those mice receiving DMG had fewer implantations of
melanoma cells than the control group did.
DMG possesses anti-cancer activity and can prevent
metastases (the spread of tumor cells). I routinely use DMG
in all of my patients with any type of cancer.
DMG and Cardiac Disease
DMG aids in cardiovascular functions by reducing elevated
cholesterol, blood pressure and triglyceride levels and
improving circulation. Ferrets and cats with cardiac disease
may benefit from the administration of DMG.
DMG and Diabetes in Cats
DMG improves glucose metabolism and for this reason,
I recommend prescribing DMG for all diabetic cats as well
as changing the cat’s food to Young Again Zero Carb Cat
Food. Many diabetic animals eventually develop cataracts
in the lenses of their eyes which can significantly decrease
eyesight. When the cataracts are mature, the diabetic pet will
eventually lose vision, only being able to discern light and
dark. DMG can retard cataract formation in diabetic animals.
Young Again Pet Food, LLC 31008 Fox Hill Avenue / Stacy, MN 55079-9511 / Ph. 800-311-6646
www.youngagainpetfood.com
DMG and IBD/IBS
Studies show DMG helps with inflammation, circulation,
healing and detoxification, all of which helps cats and dogs
suffering from inflammatory bowel disease and inflammatory
bowel syndrome. Young Again Pet Foods may help contribute
to the resolution of issues related to chronic gastrointestinal
problems in dogs and cats.
and in other cases, reduced amounts of anticonvulsants will
be necessary (such as phenobarbital, Valium, Keppra or
phenytoin). It can be used for many neurological problems
in exotic animals, such as idiopathic seizures in red-lored
Amazons and peach-faced lovebirds, E. cuniculi in rabbits,
PDD in psittacines and hypoglycemic seizures in ferrets
(resulting from insulinoma issues).
DMG and Cataracts
DMG is also an excellent adjunct to therapy for rabbits
suffering from E. cuniculi, which is a microscopic protozoal
organism that has an affinity for kidney tissue and the
central nervous system (CNS). In addition to strengthening
the immune system, DMG may also slow the formation of
cataracts in the eyes of E. cuniculi infected rabbits.
While the label recommendation is for once or twice a day
dosing, this supplement is absorbed rapidly, so often I will
recommend small, incremental doses during the day. To help
control seizures, I find that more frequent dosing (along with
treating any underlying medical problems, such as infection,
low blood glucose or even lead toxicosis) controls seizures
much more effectively. Please work with your veterinarian to
adjust the DMG and/or anticonvulsant medications to best
control your pet’s seizures.
DMG and Liver Disease
DMG aids in detoxification and enhances liver function.
When administered, part of it will be converted to SAM-E,
a nutrient helpful to the liver. Any cat suffering from hepatic
lipidosis from not eating for one or several days may benefit
from the administration of DMG.
DMG and Exercise
It improves oxygen utilization in the body and it removes
lactic acid from muscle tissue. This makes DMG wonderful
for athletic dogs. Lactic acid is what causes muscle cramps
and pain after running. I know that many greyhound racers
use DMG for their dogs. Many horse trainers believe it is
helpful during training exercise.
DMG enhances energy levels, endurance and muscle
metabolism. It also improves mental and physical performance as well as neurological function and mental clarity.
DMG Use in Veterinary Medicine
DMG has been used by veterinarians and trainers in horses
and dogs. DMG is suggested for use in dogs, cats, horses and
birds for performance and enhanced recovery from illness.
It can be used therapeutically as an adjunct to traditional
therapy for osteoarthritis, stress, seizures, allergies, heart
disease, cancer, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline
infectious peritonitis (FIP) and diabetes.
DMG has antifungal properties and helps fight bacterial
and viral infections. It is converted to SAM-E in the body
which helps detoxify the liver. It decreases the inflammation
associated with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). It
helps maintain glucose metabolism and can help slow the
development of diabetic cataracts. DMG helps circulation
and cardiovascular health.
DMG increases the threshold for seizures and I have
personally used it to control seizures in many animals,
including dogs, cats, Amazon parrots, lovebirds and many
other animals. In many cases, DMG alone will control seizures,
The Science of DMG
DMG is an adaptogen that works with other cofactors
in the body to counteract the negative effects of stress,
promote healing and even help prevent some degenerative
diseases. DMG decreases homocysteine levels (a risk factor
for cardiovascular disease), increases oxygen utilization,
modulates the immune response, aids in liver detoxification,
regulates cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increases
energy levels. New research shows that DMG can function
as an antioxidant and prevent free-radical damage. You can
see how this nutrient can be a wonderful adjunct to traditional
medical therapy for many different disease states.
DMG is found naturally in low levels in the body and also in
certain foods such as meat (liver), beans, seeds and grains.
It is considered an intermediary metabolite; meaning that it
is rapidly broken down into other substances that the body
needs. The body can produce small amounts of DMG from
other nutrients, but supplementation can provide increased
levels resulting in many healthful benefits for the body. DMG
is built from the amino acid glycine and is physiologically
active and important to cell metabolism. It provides methyl
groups for modification, building and detoxifying many
components in the body. Biochemically, it occupies a central
position in the cell’s metabolic pathway, so it can produce a
wide range of biological effects in the body.
DMG and the Autistic Spectrum
While I have no personal experience with autistic children,
there are many testimonials describing significant
improvement in autistic children that receive DMG regularly.
Apparently, many autistic children will become more verbal
and communicative when taking DMG and may become
more interactive with family members. The same can be
said for animals suffering from abnormal behaviors, such
as pacing, repetitive behaviors, obsessive licking or those
suffering from other unusual situations.
Young Again Pet Food, LLC 31008 Fox Hill Avenue / Stacy, MN 55079-9511 / Ph. 800-311-6646
www.youngagainpetfood.com
It improves verbal communications and social interactions
in autistic individuals. While there isn’t any research in pets
suffering from separation anxiety or other issues, DMG
is certainly a “do no harm” addition to any medical and
behavioral therapy.
Dosing DMG
DMG should be taken between meals, although it can be
taken with food. DMG is broken down quickly and used by
the body, so smaller, multiple doses are better than giving the
entire dose all at once. The upper limit of dosing is extremely
high; humans can take up to 6000 mg per day without
complications or risk of overdosage.
DMG comes in a liquid and the dosage is right on the label,
and also marked on the included dropper. Vetri-DMG Liquid
is available for use in small animals and exotics. Each drop
contains 5 mg of DMG.
According to the label, the dosage for birds is: 1 drop per 100
grams body weight. This is given BID as a loading dose for
two weeks, then once a day. The liquid may also be used for
dogs and cats.
For animals:
• Up to 25 lbs: give 0.5 ml daily
• 25-50 lbs: give 1.0 ml daily
• 51-90 lbs: give 1.5 ml daily
• 91+ lbs: give 2.0 ml daily
Give dosage two times per day for the first two weeks, as
a loading dosage, then give once a day. For best results,
divide dosage between a.m. and p.m. However, DMG is a
very safe supplement and I will often tweak the dosage to
accommodate the situation and provide the best support for
the animal.
If you are interested in reading more about DMG, there is a
wonderful book entitled Building Wellness Through DMG (by
Roger V. Kendall, Ph. D. with Adena Therrien, Freedom Press,
2003) that explains the science behind the supplement. The
book discusses using DMG for lupus and other autoimmune
disorders, respiratory disorders, cancer and autism, to name
just a few. There are also many scientific papers that you
can explore on-line, as well. The book discusses dosages
for humans and animals with different conditions that might
benefit from the administration of DMG.
DMG is available from several sources. Some nutrition and
vitamin outlets sell DMG for humans in a powder, liquid or
tablet/capsule form. I purchase mine as capsule from Now
Foods, Bloomingdale, IL 60108, www.nowfoods.com. Another
source is Best Naturals, NJ, www.shopbestnaturals.com.
DMG is available in tablets for small animals and exotics from
Vetri-Science Labs, phone number: 800-882-9993. However,
Vetri-Science Labs sells only to licensed veterinarians.
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Young Again Pet Food, LLC 31008 Fox Hill Avenue / Stacy, MN 55079-9511 / Ph. 800-311-6646
www.youngagainpetfood.com