Title:Millennium Nutrient N,N-Dimethylglycine (DMG) and its Effectiveness
in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Volume: 29
Issue: 15
Author(s): Daljeet Singh Dhanjal, Sonali Bhardwaj, Chirag Chopra, Reena Singh*, Jiri Patocka, Bohumir Plucar, Eugenie Nepovimova, Martin Valis and Kamil Kuca*
Affiliation:
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University,
Phagwara, India
- University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty
of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
Keywords:
Dimethylglycine, pharmacology, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), central nervous system (CNS), neurological disorders.
Abstract: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder belonging to the autism spectrum disorder
(ASD). In ASDs, the individuals show substantial impairments in social communication,
repetitive behaviours, and sensory behaviours deficits in the early stages of their
life. Globally, the prevalence of autism is estimated to be less than 1%, especially in high-
-income countries. In recent decades, there has been a drastic increase in the incidence of
ASD, which has put ASD into the category of epidemics. Presently, two US Food and
Drug Administration-approved drugs, aripiprazole and risperidone, are used to treat
symptoms of agitation and irritability in autistic children. However, to date, no medication
has been found to treat the core symptoms of ASD. The adverse side effects of conventional
medicine and limited treatment options have led families of autistic children to
turn to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments, which are perceived
as relatively safe compared to conventional medicine. Recently N, N-dimethylglycine (DMG),
a dietary supplement, has emerged as a useful supplement to improve the mental
and physical state of children with ASD. The current review discusses ASD, the prevalence
of ASD, the CAM approach, and the efficacy of CAM treatment in children with
ASD. Moreover, it highlights the chemistry, pharmacological effect, and clinical studies
of DMG, highlighting its potential for improving the lifestyle of children with ASD.
