DMAA
For most everyone who has ever used a pre-workout product, this is an ingredient which needs no introduction. DMAA (1,3-dimethylamylamine/methylhexanamine) has been hailed as the holy grail of pre-workout energy intensification.
DMAA has been around for the better part of a decade, and during that time it has been praised, demonized, seemingly banned, re-released on the market, and everything in between. To date, there has never been a more widely used and controversial yet effective stimulant since ephedrine itself.
What it does
Like many other stimulants on the market, there is an extremely small amount of human studies to pull data from showing what DMAA has been clinically proven to do.
Despite having a lack of human evidence, a good bit of knowledge about this compound is known which includes its ability to increase blood pressure[1] and cause bronchodilation[2]. Anecdotal reports include euphoria (due to dopamine release), intense stimulation via CNS stimulation, and enhanced athletic performance.
How it works
DMAA is a neurological stimulant, as it works by releasing the powerful neurotransmitter norepinephrine, in addition to dopamine. Increased levels of these two hormones can increase our level of attention, focus, energy, motivation, and mental alertness.
Dosing
When DMAA first hit the market, the suggested dose was ~20mg at a time, however in recent times suggested dosing has slowly crept up to be in the 50-75mg/srv range.
Due to DMAAs potency, it is advised to start small and work up instead up jumping into a full dose right away.
DMAA is banned in most sporting organizations, so if you are a tested athlete, it is suggested to not take a supplement containing DMAA.