Dimethylamylamine

Dimethylamylamine is a synthetic ingredient found illegally in some dietary supplements promising weight loss, body building and athletic performance enhancement. 

Dimethylamylamine, also known as DMAA, 1,3-dimethylamylamine, methylhexanamine or geranium extract, has been called a "natural stimulant", although the FDA has stated it is not aware of any reliable science indicating that DMAA exists naturally in plants. 

DMAA, once approved for use as a nasal decongestion, has no recognized medical use today. In fact DMAA can be dangerous, especially when used in combination with other ingredients such as caffeine. The FDA warns that this substance narrows blood vessels and arteries, which can elevate blood pressure, and may lead to cardiovascular problems such as shortness of breath, arrhythmias, tightening in the chest, and heart attack, as well as seizures and other neurological and psychological conditions.

The FDA has warned companies known to be using DMAA in dietary supplements that those products containing this ingredient are illegal. All but one of the companies have agreed to stop using DMAA as an ingredient in their dietary supplements.

The FDA advises consumers not to purchase or use any dietary supplement containing DMAA. Look for DMAA listed on the product label. It may also be listed as:

• 1,3-DMAA
• 1,3-Dimethylamylamine
• 1,3-Dimethylpentylamine
• 2-Amino-4-methylhexane
• 2-Hexanamine
• 4-Methyl-2-hexanamine
• 4-Methyl-2-hexylamine
• 4-methyl- (9CI)
• Dimethylamylamine
• Geranamine
• Methylhexanamine
• Methylhexanenamine

Some products also will list Pelargonium graveolens extract or Geranium extract, which may indicate that the product contains DMAA.