Betaine
Trimethylglycine
Betaine -- also called betaine anhydrous, or trimethylglycine (TMG) -- is a substance that's made in the body. It's involved in liver function, cellular reproduction, and helping make carnitine. It also helps the body metabolize an amino acid called homocysteine. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved betaine to treat a genetic condition where too much homocysteine builds up in the body.
Scientists have also proposed betaine as a way to lower homocysteine levels in people who don't have the genetic disease. This is because higher levels of homocysteine are associated with heart disease and stroke. But researchers don't yet know exactly how high levels of homocysteine and heart disease are related. It's unclear as to whether homocysteine itself is harmful, or whether it is just an indicator of increased risk for heart disease.
Heart DiseaseStudies suggest that betaine, along with vitamins B6, B12, and folic acid, helps reduce higher levels of homocysteine. Some studies show that high levels of homocysteine may encourage atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
Betaine supplements may increase cholesterol levels, which could work against any treatment for heart disease. If you are at risk for heart disease, your doctor may test levels of homocysteine in your blood. Ask your doctor whether taking supplements of betaine, folic acid, and other B vitamins makes sense for you.
HomocystinuriaSome people have a genetic condition called homocystinuria, in which homocysteine levels build up in the body. They are at much higher risk of developing heart disease and osteoporosis as early as their 20s. Betaine supplements are used to lower levels of homocysteine in people with this inherited health condition.
Liver DiseaseStudies in rats suggest that betaine may help protect against harmful fatty deposits in the liver. These deposits can be caused by alcohol abuse, obesity, diabetes, and other causes. Preliminary studies in people have shown similar results. More research is needed.
Dry MouthOne study found that a toothpaste containing betaine helped relieve dry mouth.
CancerOne study found that higher betaine intake protects against lung cancer by minimizing the adverse effects of smoking. A second suggests that betaine intake may lower the risk of breast cancer.
Dietary Sources
Food sources of betaine include:
- Beets
- Broccoli
- Grains
- Shellfish
- Spinach
Available Forms
Betaine supplements are manufactured as a byproduct of sugar beet processing. They are available in powder, tablet, and capsule forms.
How to Take It
PediatricBetaine is not recommended for children unless prescribed by your child's doctor to treat homocystinuria, a genetic condition.
AdultRecommended doses of betaine vary depending on the condition being treated. Ask your doctor to help you determine the right dose for you.
Betaine is usually taken with folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12.
Precautions
Because of the potential for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health care provider.
Most side effects from betaine are mild and include diarrhea, stomach upset, and nausea.
Betaine can raise total cholesterol levels. People who are overweight, have heart disease, or are at risk for heart disease, should not take betaine without talking to their provider.
People with kidney disease should not take betaine.
Possible Interactions
In people with kidney disease, betaine may interfere with drugs taken to lower cholesterol levels in the blood.
Supporting Research
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Alfthan G, Tapani K, Nissinen K, Saarela J, Aro A. The effect of low doses of betaine on plasma homocysteine in healthy volunteers. Br J Nutr. 2004;92(4):665-669.
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Imbard A, Benoist JF, Esse R, et al. High homocysteine induces betaine depletion. Biosci Rep. 2015;35(4):pii:e00222.
Kanbak G, Arslan OC, Dokumacioglu A, Kartkaya K, Inal ME. Effects of chronic ethanol consumption on brain synaptosomes and protective role of betaine. Neurochem Res. 2008;33(3):539-544.
Kendler BS. Supplemental conditionally essential nutrients in cardiovascular disease therapy. Cardiovasc Nurs. 2006 Jan-Feb;21(1):9-16. Review.
Kishi T, Kawamura I, Harada Y, et al. Effect of betaine on S-adenosylmethionine levels in the cerebrospinal fluid in a patient with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency and peripheral neuropathy. J Inherit Metab Dis. 1994;17(5):560-565.
Malinow MR, Bostom AG, Krauss RM. Homocyst(e)ine, diet, and cardiovascular disease. A statement for healthcare professionals from the nutrition committee, American Heart Association. Circulation. 1999;99(1):178-182.
Miglio F, Rovati LC, Santoro A, Senikar I. Efficacy and safety of oral betaine glucuronate in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. A double-blind, randomized, parallel group, placebo-controlled prospective clinical study. Arzneimittelforschung. 2000;50(8):722-727.
Olthof MR, Bots ML, Katan MB, Verhoef P. Effect of folic acid and betaine supplementation on flow-mediated dilation: a randomized, controlled study in healthy volunteers. PLoS Clin Trials. 2006;1(2):e10.
Olthof MR, Van Vliet T, Boelsma E, et al. Low dose betaine supplementation leads to immediate and long term lowering of plasma homocysteine in healthy men and women. J Nutr. 2003;133(12):4135-4138.
Olthof MR, Vliet TV, Verhoef P, et al. Effect of homocysteine-lowering nutrients on blood lipids: results from four randomised, placebo-controlled studies in healthy humans. PLoS Med. 2005;2(5):e135.
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Schwab U, Torronen A, Toppinen L, et al. Betaine supplementation decreases plasma homocysteine concentrations but does not affect body weight, body composition, or resting energy expenditure in human subjects. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002;76(5):961-967.
Schwahn BC, Wang XL, Mikael LG, et al. Betaine supplementation improves the atherogenic risk factor profile in a transgenic mouse model of hyperhomocysteinemia. Atherosclerosis. 2007;195(2):e100-e107.
Soderling E, Le Bell A, Kirstila V, Tenovuo J. Betaine-containing toothpaste relieves subjective symptoms of dry mouth. Acta Odontol Scand. 1998;56(2):65-69.
Song Z, Deaciuc I, Zhou Z, et al. Involvement of AMP-activated protein kinase in beneficial effects of betaine on high-sucrose diet-induced hepatic stenosis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2007;293(4):G894-G902.
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Ying J, Rahbar MH, Hallman DM, et al. Associations between dietary intake of choline and betaine and lung cancer risk. PLoS One. 2013;8(2):e54561.
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Review Date: 1/1/2017
Reviewed By: Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD, Solutions Acupuncture, a private practice specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, Phoenix, AZ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by the A.D.A.M Editorial team.
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