DMHA is also known by the name Octodrine, but we commonly see supplement companies use the DMHA name for labeling purposes. DMHA is a synthetic compound that also has a natural counterpart, Juglans Regia Extract. The main difference between these two compounds is that they differ in chemical structure. We often see DMHA used more than its natural counterpart, and this is mainly because Juglans Regia Extract is a much more expensive compound.

Juglans Regia Extract’s chemical structure is 2-amino-5-methylheptane, meaning the methyl group is bonded to the 5^th carbon. This natural compound is obtained through an extract in the bark of the English Walnut Tree.

DMHA’s chemical structure is 2-amino-6-methylheptane, meaning the methyl group is bonded to the 6^th carbon. This form is made synthetically in a lab, and it is often the one you will see in sports supplements. It is the drug of choice because it is more economical than its natural, extracted counterpart.

DMHA is very closely related to the infamous stimulant powerhouse, DMAA. After DMAA was banned by the FDA in 2013, it opened the door for DMHA to find its way into many products as a replacement ingredient. On April 10, 2019, the FDA issued warning letters to several companies that produce products containing DMHA, advising them that DMHA is unsafe for use in dietary supplements. However, the FDA has yet to issue a complete ingredient ban against DMHA’s use in dietary supplements.

Supplement companies have chosen to use this ingredient because of its capability to provide strong increases in mental energy, improve focus, and even reduce fatigue. Studies have shown that DMHA can provide similar results as DMAA when used as a sports performance supplement.

If you are interested in reading more about the safety of DMHA and its future in the sports performance world, check out this meta-analysis compiled in 2018.

We like seeing DMHA paired with other ingredients that can enhance cognitive focus and mental energy. There are many great choices to pair alongside of DMHA, including: Caffeine Anhydrous, Alpha-GPC or L-Tyrosine. These ingredients will help add to the energy and focus affects you will get out of this compound. There would be great synergy with the addition of ingredients such as Theacrine and/or Dynamine. These two ingredients would also help prevent the stimulant crash that comes with DMHA and Caffeine.

As far as fat loss supplements go, you will find this product paired with ingredients such as Eria Jarensis or Synephrine. We do not advise that you use this product alone to aid in fat loss or to fuel your workout, as it works best when it is paired with other ingredients such as the ones mentioned above.

This product has been known to cause rapid heartbeat and/or increased blood pressure when taken by mouth. However, if you are a generally healthy individual who exercises regularly, this ingredient should be safe for use. It would be wise to start with a low dose to assess your tolerance and how your body will react to this ingredient. It is always a good idea to speak with your doctor before starting any supplement that contains ingredients such as DMHA.

You will typically find DMHA dosed between 100-150mg. However, it is not uncommon to see this ingredient as a part of a “energy blend”. When you come across products that have blends, it can sometimes be difficult to estimate the amount of DMHA you are getting.

We have several products on our website that will tell you the amount of DMHA you are getting. If we reviewed a product that has this ingredient as a part of a blend, we have given you our best guess as to how much DMHA is in the product, based on several different factors.

The following products contain DMHA at the recommended dosage, and are recommended supplements for Fitness Informant: