Enclosed scoop holds 1 ounce (by weight). Give 1/2 scoop (750 mg DMG HCI) twice daily for maintenance. Give 2 to 3 level scoops twice daily beginning 2 to 3 days before and during performance, or as directed by veterinarian. Increase supplementation of large breeds proportionately according to body weight in excess of 1,000 pounds.
What is DMG?
Dimethylglycine is a highly unusual supplement, in that it is extremely popular despite the fact that all of its touted effects have largely been refuted by clinical and laboratory testing. It is most widely used as a performance enhancer by athletes, and in dogs and horses that are bred for racing purposes. Specifically, DMG is thought to be able to reduce lactic acid build up that might otherwise contribute to muscle fatigue. There is no immediately obvious reason why DMG should be able to achieve this, given its role in the body as a metabolite of betaine and a source of glycine. Reports of an ability of DMG to enhance athletic performance first appeared in the popular literature in the 1980's. Controlled studies involving treadmill horses, male athletes, and patients prone to lactic acid build up due to a cytochrome oxidase deficiency fail to support these earlier claims. Other common uses of DMG which have been refuted by clinical research include the treatment of autism and idiopathic epilepsy.
'...all of its touted effects have largely been refuted by clinical and laboratory testing.'
- Horses also kick to defend themselves, and these kicks are often powerful and well aimed. Horses may defend themselves by kicking when they feel another horse is getting too close to its food, its foal, a special herd mate or if another horse is acting aggressively towards it.In the wild, horses use powerful kicks, often with both back legs at the same time, to ward off predators.
- Certain horses and ponies are prone to grass founder (laminitis), particularly in the spring when grasses are high in sugar. Most horse owners would rather prevent laminitis than deal with it after it happens, so the best course of action is to recognize the red flags—times to be more vigilant—and know what to do next. High-Risk Horses.
DMG is also touted as an immune stimulant, although it has no role in the body that could directly account for this effect. A double blind study in the early 1980's showed increased immune function (both humoral and cell-mediated) in humans following supplementation with DMG. Another study suggested this increased immune response could translate into a protective effect against cancer. A comprehensive study in 1992 failed to demonstrate any immune enhancing properties of DMG in cats.
What is the function of DMG?
DMG is a metabolite of betaine, which is used to help promote the production of methionine from homocysteine. Abnormal homocysteine levels are associated with autism and with coronary artery disease, but DMG does not stimulate reactions that reduce homocysteine, but is a by-product of them. DMG may also eventually be converted into two very vital compounds, phosphatidylserine and glutathione, but a direct effect has not been demonstrated. Indeed, in one study, DMG supplementation actually reduced glutathione levels.
'DMG does appear to function as an antioxidant, and has been shown to have a protective effect against gastric ulceration.'
DMG does appear to function as an antioxidant, and has been shown to have a protective effect against gastric ulceration.
Why recommend the administration of DMG to my pet?
Despite the lack of supportive research, DMG is used to enhance athletic performance in dogs and horses. It may also function as an antioxidant, and be of some benefit in reducing inflammation. DMG may also be recommended for the treatment of immune deficiency disorders, cancer, epilepsy and cognitive disorders, although research support for these uses is lacking.
How much experience is there with the use of DMG in pets?
DMG has been used for over 20 years in humans, racing dogs and horses. While not necessarily clinically effective, DMG is at least extremely well tolerated and very safe, which is not surprising given that it is a metabolite already present in the body. No toxicity has been reported to DMG supplementation. It is important to note that practitioners who use DMG are convinced of its efficacy, and report positive clinical outcomes, despite the lack of research support.
Where do I get DMG and do I need a prescription?
What Is Dmg For Horses
Pet owners are cautioned against buying supplements without knowledge of the manufacturer, as supplements are not highly regulated and some supplements may not contain the labelled amount of ingredients. Your veterinarian may have preferred supplements that he or she will recommend. A prescription is not needed for DMG.
Dmg For Horses In Powder
Dimethylglycine, also known as DMG, is a natural substance found in both plant and animal cells, and is derived from the amino acid glycine (see reference 1 under Clinical Summary para 1). As a supplement, it is purported to offer a number of health benefits, from enhancing physical performance to improving behavior in children with autism and attention deficit disorder. However, the evidence to support these claims is lacking, according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (see reference 1 under Mechanism of Action).
What Does Dmg Do For Horses Look
How DMG Works
The body produces DMG in the cells by breaking down choline (see reference 1 under Clinical Summary). In the body, it acts as an antioxidant and improves oxygenation of the cells (see reference 1 under Clinical Summary). The thought is that taking DMG as a supplement may further enhance oxygenation, which improves athletic performance (see reference 1 under Clinical Summary). It is also thought to act as a neurological stimulator, which is why it has gained popularity in the autism community (see reference 1 under Clinical Summary). According to an October 2009 review article on the use of complementary medicine in autism published in 'Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics,' the two clinical trials testing the use of DMG on children with autism showed no positive effect or improvement in behavior (see reference 2 under DMG).
What Does Dmg Do For Horses
Safety Concerns
DMG is considered a safe and non-toxic substance, according to MSKCC (see reference 1 under Clinical Summary). If you're supplementing your diet with DMG, be sure to inform your doctor to monitor for any potential side effects or interactions. Additionally, while it's safe to take DMG, do not rely on it as a cure or treatment for any illness.
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