DMHA – Complete Guide [2024]

What Is DMHA | Is It Legal | DMHA News | How Does It Work | What To Expect | Side Effects | Comparisons | DMHA Alternatives | Fat Burners with DMHA | Pre Workouts with DMHA

While we wait for updates with the DMAA case, DMHA has swooped in and taken its place. In fact, almost every product containing DMAA now features DMHA. But, what is this “new” ingredient and what can we expect from it? We’re covering these questions!

Have a specific question? Jump to your answer!

Have an uncovered question? Comment Below! Or send us an email HERE!

What Is DMHA?

As we’ve said time and time again…

DMHA is a DMAA-like stimulant. (1) Originally, or at least medically, it’s used as a decongestant. In supplements, it may help improve performance and increase weight loss. But, you’re not likely to see “DMHA” on the label of your favorite pre workout or fat burner. It has a TON of different names but here’s a short list of the common ones used: (2)

• 1,5-Dimethylhexylamine
• 1,5-DMHA
• 2-amino-5-methylheptane
• 2-amino-6-methylheptane
• 2-aminoisoheptane
• 2-Heptylamine, 6-methyl-
• 2-Isooctyl amine
• 2-Metil-6-amino-eptano
• 6-Amino-2-methylheptane
• Amidrine
• Octodrine
• Vaporpac

Background

This ingredient can come from nature or be made synthetically. Generally, companies are more likely to make it synthetically due to this being the cheaper method. But, it comes from the Juglans Regia tree. In products like (spoiler) Hydroxyelite, this is labeled as Walnut Bark Extract. We’ll talk more about this product and more below but feel free to jump to it!

Is DMHA Legal?

Short answer: As of today, Yes!

Detailed answered: Yes, but it’s complicated. In April of 2019, the US FDA did send out warning letters to manufacturers to remove DMHA from their products. This was due to companies not submitting a New Dietary Ingredient Notification (NDIN), which is required for all new dietary ingredients. Or if DMHA was an unsafe food additive. (3)

But here’s the thing-

DMHA isn’t new. It’s a constituent of walnuts, which has been around for long before any FDA Law. So this isn’t a strong enough case to ban the ingredient. But, what about it being “unsafe”? 

Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals, along with other companies, have been selling products with DMHA for 2(+) years now. With no serious issues from consumers when taken properly.

And let’s not forget it’s medical use as a decongestant, which has been instated in the 1950s. (4) Therefore, we can’t really ban it for this reason either. And don’t worry if you’ve grown to love DMHA as much as we have, Hi-Tech has fought the FDA for it. And continues to fight for DMAA.

DMHA in Sports:

Being legal in the US is great and all, but what are the chances of a false positive on a drug test?

It’s possible. We can’t guarantee it will or won’t. Generally, if this is a concern for you, we would advise you to stray away from products like this. Not just ones containing DMHA.

But, for this matter, we have a statement from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency:

“Categorized as a stimulant under the World Anti-Doping Prohibited List, octodrine is prohibited in-competition. Because clearances times depend on many individual factors, USADA cannot advise athletes on when they should discontinue using a substance to ensure that it has completely “washed out” from their body. Octodrine is not included in FDA-approved medications for any medical condition, so USADA would not grant a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for a product containing the substance.” (5)

If you’re an athlete or if your profession limits what kind of supplements you can take; We would advise you to speak to your governing body or with your doctor before taking any supplements.

DMHA News

As of May 2021, DMHA supply has been limited. As a result, some of our favorite products have been massively delayed. There are several factors playing into the delays:

1. 1. Importing Delays
   2. Quality Assurances
   3. Weather Conditions

For starters, importing DMHA for production in itself was held up due to cargo ships port delays (7). These delays pushed production expectation back 4 weeks all on its own. Following importing DMHA comes quality checks. These are essential for assuring the ingredients are in their best form for production.

Unfortunately, DHMA is very sensitive to weather conditions. As a result of the delays to port, the raw ingredients were held in a humid climate for an extensive period and did not pass quality checks.

As of October 2021, three small batches of DMHA failed quality inspections pushing delays further. Another, bigger batch is expected sometime in November.  Once we receive an update on if it passes quality checks, we’ll keep you updated.

As of December 13th, 2021, we received a new update from the manufacturers that produce popular DMHA products like Hydroxyelite and Lipodrene. Unfortunately, they had not received their DMHA batch when it was originally expected. However, this batch is expected to be delivered sometime in December. Consequently, being so close to the holidays, we don’t expect finished products to be shipped in December. 

Update!

As of December 2022, all the backordered DHMA fat burners and pre workouts are in stock and ready to ship! 

If you’re ready to get your hands on some DMHA products now, here’s some of what we have right now:

How Does DMHA Work?

As we’ve mentioned, DMHA is a stimulant. It’s structurally similar to 2 familiar compounds (maybe more):

• 1,3 Dimethylamylamine (AKA DMAA)
• Amphetamine

Based on that alone, there’s an expectation that it will act similar but maybe not as potent.

Diving in deeper:

There, unfortunately, isn’t many human studies on DMHA to scientifically back up its effects. Due to the methyl group on the alpha carbon, it should have a half-life similar to DMAA and Amphetamine (Last about 9-11 hours). And it should act as a monoamine releasing agent (MRA) of catecholamines like DMAA. This includes dopamine and norepinephrine.

Then DMHA binds to the trace amine associated receptor 1. This will temporarily prevent the re-uptake of dopamine and norepinephrine into the presynaptic nerve. By doing this, these catecholamines remain active in your body for longer. This attributes to the euphoric and wakeful feelings we get from ingredients like this. (4)

What To Expect From DMHA?

Alright, so we’ve gone through what happens in the inside. But, what effects can you expect?

Again there are not enough human studies to back up these effects. The following information is based on customer feedback and our anecdotally experiences. Everyone will have their own unique experience and because DMHA is rarely taken on its own, we can’t guarantee any effect is directly because of it.

What’s the feedback?

Customers state the effects last several hours. And that they felt a heightened sense of euphoria during that period of time. This is what we can predict based on the structure and similarities to DMAA. As far as any crash goes, it was reported as a much smoother come-down.

But, adversely the come-up is also gradual. So if you’re looking for a spike of energy, DMHA isn’t for you. Customers also explained that they felt some appetite suppression with the DMHA. This is generally going to be tied to stimulants.

Are There Side Effects?

Any stimulant will have its fair share of risks. Some of the reported side effects include; (4)

• Nausea
• Energy crash
• High blood pressure
• Heart palpitations
• Labored breathing
• Hyperthermia

Reading that list might scare you away from the products below. And if these side effects are a concern for you, you should, in the very least, consult a doctor. But, it wouldn’t be fair to paint DMHA as the bad guy. Not without comparing the side effects to more common stimulants, such as caffeine: (6)

• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Digestive Issues
• Muscle Breakdown (in large amounts)
• Addiction
• High Blood Pressure
• Heart palpitations
• Fatigue
• Frequent Urination

Comparisons:

We’re almost at the end of the post. Now we’ve reached the good stuff (and probably why you’re here).

DMAA VS DMHA

We’ve already tapped into this a little in the “What To Expect” section, but here we’re getting as deep as research lets us. And your feedback of course. To start off, let do a review comparison of our top selling fat burner Hydroxyelite.

Way back when it had DMAA our reviews looked like this:

Do yourself a Favor!  Review by Fletch (Posted on 11/11/2016)

The BEST product for fat burning on the market. Don’t waste your money on that other garbage. do yourself a favor and get this. I’m just like you, tired of that ib5 that don’t work. I’m taking time out of my day to tell you that this product WORKS!
Ordering 2 more right now bc I’m almost out! Good luck to you and your goals!

Best one I Tried  Review by Jeff (Posted on 11/10/2016)

This helped me lose 75 lbs over the course of a year, it didn’t come with the jittery or upset stomach side affects that others have. I fully recommend this. Combine it with a reduced calorie diet and you will see results.

Pretty darn good  Review by Miguel (Posted on 2/15/2018)

Good energy. No side effects. Sirpressed appetite. It’s doing the job

Awesome Stuff  Review by Franklin (Posted on 6/4/2019) 

I just finished my first bottle. I started at 223. and 4 weeks later I am 210. I’ve lost 13 pounds and work out half as much. This stuff is great. Highly recommended. First time in 2 years I’ve been down to 210. I just ordered my second bottle today. Works as advertised.

So Far, So Good  Review by Kevin (Posted on 5/6/2019) 

I bought this product a week ago and it has been great s0 far. In 7 – 8 days using the product I have Lost almost 5 lbs. I have noticed that my hunger & cravings have been greatly reduced. I usually take one Pill in the morning one pill at night. It might still be too early to tell whether this product if
effective for an extended period of time but so far it has worked as advertised . Definitely a great alternative to the discontinued OXYElite Pro. Give this product a try !

DMHA Structure:

DMAA contains two methyl groups located directly next to the NH2 group on either side. This makes it very effective at blocking MOA and increasing potency.

Compare the structure of DMAA  to the structure of DMHA, and you’ll understand why DMHA is said to have about 70-80% of the strength of DMAA.

The overall opinion on DMHA to DMAA is that it has a lot of the focus elements, but comes a little short in the energy department. The good news, though is that the crash from DMHA is reported as much smoother. Allowing consumers to continue to have a good day long after the stimulant has worn off.

DMHA vs Ephedrine

So, the thing with ephedrine is that it hasn’t been available for use in dietary supplements in the US for a long time. It’s not illegal, though! Much like DMHA, ephedrine has its use in medicine. In fact, it’s also a nasal decongestant. It’s one of four active components from the plant Ephedra.

Now supplements use just ephedra and remove the ephedrine alkaloids. But back in the day, ephedrine was very popular for ECA stacks (ephedrine, caffeine, and aspirin). (7) And it’s really common for fat burners today to mimic this stack with ephedra.

But besides their medicinal use, what do these compounds have in common?

It’s actually structurally similar to not only DMHA and DMAA but also Amphetamine.

But what do people think?

It’s varied, to say the least. Some people feel DMHA is more like ephedrine than DMAA, and some say the opposite. The clear thing is that they are related, which is why, even in medicine, they share a purpose.

DMHA Alternatives:

If you’re like many customers, the wait for DMHA is getting tiresome. Luckily, there are other stimulants that can be compared and are currently available. In this section, we’ll compare DMHA with other widely used stimulants. However, if you’re ready to try something new now, we have a page featuring in-stock alternatives HERE.

Caffeine VS DMHA (8)

First on the list is good old-fashioned caffeine. Because caffeine is so common, it often doesn’t get the proper recognition for its stimulatory properties. However, caffeine in dietary supplements can have a variety of dosages, and these doses can greatly impact the effects.

Like DMHA, caffeine has other common names used in dietary supplements like:

• 1,3,7-Trimethylxanthine
• 1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-di-one

Unlike DMHA, caffeine can be seen in several forms in dietary supplements, such as:

• Caffeine Anhydrous
• Caffeine Citrate
• Di-Caffeine Malate
• RealCaf

These different forms can play a role in everything from how energized you feel, the type of energy you feel, and how long the effects last. Caffeine is also often standardized from other ingredients. This means a product may have an ingredient like Green Tea Extract, but from this extract there is a specific amount of caffeine being sourced. This includes ingredients like:

• Green Tea Extract
• Green Coffee Bean Extract
• Guarana Seed Extract

However, these ingredients may have other purposes as well.

Caffeine is a trimethylxanthine and is classified as a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. One of the main functions of caffeine is as an antagonist against adenosine. When ingested, caffeine binds to adenosine receptors in the brain. This, in return, blocks the receptor and affects the release of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine. This is one of the ways caffeine promotes cognitive functions like attention and improves mood. (9)

The half-life of caffeine is approximately 5 hours in the average adult. However, caffeine metabolism can be influenced by multiple factors, such as smoking. Anecdotal experiences with DMHA tell us that the effects may occur ~15 to 60 min after consumption. This is similar to caffeine, where the onset is described at ~15 mins with a peak in performance around 60 mins. (4,9)

Theophylline VS DMHA

This next stimulant shares a medicinal usage with DMHA, DMAA, and ephedrine, Theophylline. Theophylline is a medication used to treat asthma and is a bronchodilator. Like caffeine, theophylline is a methyl-xanthine and CNS stimulant. However, it is naturally more abundant in tea leaves rather than coffee. Compared to other methyl-xanthines like caffeine and theobromine, theophylline isn’t as common in dietary supplements. But it may promote energy expenditure and weight loss. (10,11)

You may also see Theophylline labeled as:

• 3-methyxanthine
• 1,3-dimethylxanthine
• Theophyllin

Citrus Aurantium VS DMHA

Citrus Aurantium or Bitter Orange Extract is a popular stimulant in fat burners, and with good reason. For starters, it’s chemical composition is full of vitamins, minerals, flavonoids, and phenylethylamine alkaloids (among other compounds). This composition is responsible for the health-promoting aspects of this ingredient, like its antioxidant properties. However, what makes this ingredient so popular is a specific set of alkaloids, synephrine. Where p-synephrine is the most abundant and is structurally similar to ephedrine, additionally, there are several studies that indicate citrus aurantium/synephrine may aid in fat mobilization. (11,12,13)

Some names you may see citrus aurantium labels as include:

• Bitter Orange Extract
• Synephrine
• p-Synephrine
• 4-[1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)ethyl]phenol

You may also see other forms of synephrine or other phenylethylamine alkaloids like synephrine. (14)

This can include:

• Octopamine
• Tyramine
• N-Methyltyramine 
• Hordenine

Synephrine is an unspecific adrenergic agonist, where p-synephrine has a low affinity to binding with adrenergic receptors. This is important as it explains the lack of cardiovascular effects from this alkaloid. Most importantly, several studies indicate that p-synephrine promotes the activation of β3-adrenergic receptors that modulate thermogenesis and stimulate weight loss. (15,16)

Senegalia Berlandieri VS DMHA

When Senegalia Berlandieri Extract was first introduced to dietary supplements, DMAA had just been removed from formulas. So it’s not surprising that it would be a potential replacement ingredient for DMHA, too. In fact, some users of the senegalia berlandieri formula in Mesomorph Pre Workout prefer it over DMHA!

Senegalia Berlandieri (also known as Acacia Berlandieri) is a related species to Acacia Rigidula. Acacia Rigidula Extract was another ingredient that was popular in dietary supplements, but due to the presence of an amphetamine isomer, β-methylphenylethylamine (BMPEA), it was banned. Because Acacia Rigidula and Senegalia Berlandieri are closely related, they share many of the same alkaloids, including Phenylethylamine Alkaloids (PEA). (17,18)

PEA plays an important role in the body in relation to the brain and the release of neurotransmitters. But PEA is also a natural stimulant our bodies produce to serve several important functions. And like the other stimulants in this post, it has a variety of names you may see on a label, including β-phenylethylamine, β-phenethylamine, and phenylethylamine. Similar to amphetamine, PEA’s stimulant effects can lead to the release of amines, such as dopamine and serotonin. However, the body has difficulties maintaining high concentrations of PEA. So, these effects are likely to be long-lasting. In fact, the stimulatory effects have been compared to a “runner’s high”.(19,20,21)

What Products Have DMHA

A lot. It’s actually very popular in fat burners and pre workouts. So we’ll try to include as many popular products as possible but keep in mind this isn’t the full list.

Fat burners with DMHA

*In no particular order*

It Works!! Review by Katrina

I love that I can take hydroxyelite whenever I feel like I’m struggling to get back on track especially after the holidays. They are non addictive and really help to suppress my appetite. It helps with the cravings for junk food basically eliminating them. If for some reason I do eat unhealthy, I’m fuller so much faster so I eat half the amount I normally would. I definitely recommend and will always take these when I need some help. I like to take them for a little bit and then stop for a few months. I love that there isn’t any unwanted side effects when I start or stop taking these! I’ve taken almost all the “diet aids” and “appetite suppressants” out there and nothing works like Hydroxyelite or the side effects are terrible (rapid heartbeat, nausea, sweating, etc…) or when I stop I’ll have an uncontrollable hunger and feel weak and tired. None of that with these! I will be a customer for life! I hope they don’t ever discontinue this product.(Posted on 12/30/23)

Quick burst Review by Angel 

Quick burst of energy, mood boost, no appetite. Everything you need in a fat burner to help with losing weight. (Posted on 12/11/23)

Solid Fat Burner Review by Abraham

Clean energy, helps me lose a couple more lbs every week. (Posted on 12/19/23)

Great Review by Jessica

Strong but works great. No appetite. Plenty of energy to kill your workout. (Posted on 12/12/23)

Solid appetite suppressant and energy booster. As good as Elite IMO Review by Dillan

The energy is potent, long lasting, and really suppresses hunger. Works as good as Lipodrene Elite (which I have also used) but doesn’t have the chilly feeling plus euphoria. Makes me feel normal but just amped. Plus this doesn’t give me headaches like the Elite does. 10/10 would buy again. I use 2 tablets a day. one first thing in the morning and once before lunch. This helps reduce the amount I want to eat during mealtimes without killing my appetite. (Posted on 8/15/23) 

EN TER GY ! ! ! ! ! Review by Lindsey

My husband loves these! (Posted on 12/15/23)

Helpful energy booster Review by Rebecca

When caffeine just doesn’t work.. this help get me through the day. (Posted on 12/29/23) 

Purchase Review by Shane

I of course like the product, the delivery is fast and the website easy to navigate (Posted on 9/12/23)

Great Product Review by Daniel

I like the energy it gives me. Without the crash. I use Black Widow often. (Posted on 11/5/23)

Love It Review by Amy

Only thing that actually works. (Posted on 12/26/23)

wakeup pill Review by Linda

This is my go to morning pill. Not to strong, just right for me! (Posted on 6/5/23)

Works great Review by Ed

Level headed energy and performance (Posted on 1/8/24)

5 star Review by Jacob

Great product & prompt delivery, highly recommend. (Posted on 1/8/24)

Nice Review by Shannon

Clean energy feel. Suppress the appetite. Helps with a mood too. Makes dieting easier. (Posted on 12/28/23)

New Version ??? Review by Ally

Im a fan of the old version but they seemed to have got this right without changing very much.
I barely notice the difference between 1,3 and dmha. I don’t get that spike of energy like with the 1,3 but it feel more smooth. Not the strongest appetite suppressant tbh but still great. (Posted on 6/21/19)

The only one I use! Review by Erin-Audrey

Gets the job done! (Posted on 7/10/23)

Clean energy and amazing appetite suppression Review by Justin

I take this in the morning an hour before my workout, eat a small snack 20 minutes later then don’t need any pre workout. After my post workout snack I don’t need to eat anything for another 10 hours. I’ve already lost 5lb in week 1 (Posted on 10/23/23)

Helped me get over my weight loss plateau! Review by Caitlin B

Struggling with hypothyroidism can have you feeling pretty defeated when the scale refuses to go down. Lost 10 lbs with the first bottle and almost 10 with the second (though I wasn’t as consistent as I should’ve been). I will say, taking two at once on an empty stomach makes me nauseous so one in the morning, one at lunch, it plenty suitable for me. (Posted on 12/3/23)

Arsynist Fat Burner – Condemned Labz

Fat burning you can feel!! Review by Jeffrey P

I actually use this as a pre-workout!! You can really feel the thermogenesis burning and giving a great pump for added energy and pump!! (Posted on 1/4/24)

Pre Workouts with DMHA

*In no particular order*

Wicked Pre Workout Review by Jeanine

It gave me amazing focus/concentration and it help keep the afternoon yawns away! (Posted on 4/12/23)

The best Review by Rodger

PUMPS & Lean Muscles! by Ahmed

Perfect in every way ! I have studied all ingredients and did some compression and research before ordering, i wanted to have a pre-workout that helps having lean muscles & a fat burner as well, to get me sweating and lose fats during workout. And definitely this gets the job done.

After one week of using Jack’d up, i have leaner muscles & i sweat like a MF in my workout, i got a better shape and i feel great, not to mention that DMHA suppress my appetite & i don’t feel hungry at all, so i stay away from junk food & i keep up my intermittent fasting diet plan. I combine this with Growth from Blackstone labs & i am getting an amazing results. (Posted on Posted on 7/19/20)

Smooth pumps Review by Kyle

Low caffeine HIGH Everything else. tastes super good too! (Posted on 2/24/23)

strong pre workout Review By Robert W

I liked the focus , made me push a lil harder and gave me the extra energy to do more (Posted on 1/8/24)

Not bad at all Review by Timothy C

This preworkout does the trick when I’m tired and don’t want to go to the gym. It ignites the workout. (Posted on 1/5/24)

Wrapping Up!

This concludes our review and breakdown of DMHA! Thank you for reading and if there’s another product you’d like us to review, an ingredient that you think needs further elaboration, or another blog idea you want to see in the future– send us an email here!

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