Compound Monograph
Betaine
Betaine (trimethylglycine) is a naturally occurring methyl donor found in beets, spinach and grains, and an established osmolyte in the body.
Classification
Betaine is a quaternary ammonium compound (amino acid derivative), part of the amino acids & proteins class. Amino acids, peptides, and proteins — including directly bioactive free amino acids and plant proteins.
Where Does It Come From? (9)
Betaine is a naturally occurring (and made in the body) quaternary ammonium compound (amino acid derivative), found in Red spinach, Beetroot, Wheat bran and germ and 6 other sources. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Betaine, also called trimethylglycine, is a small quaternary ammonium compound found in beets (from which it takes its name), spinach, whole grains and many other foods, and it also occurs naturally in the body. It serves two main biological roles: as an organic osmolyte that helps cells maintain fluid balance, and as a methyl donor in the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. A pharmaceutical form is used to treat homocystinuria, an inherited disorder of homocysteine metabolism.
Toxicity & Safety
Betaine is a normal dietary component and is generally well tolerated. The most common effects at supplemental doses are mild gastrointestinal upset and a body or breath odour. People with kidney disease or certain metabolic conditions should use supplements only under medical supervision, and high-dose use has been associated with changes in blood lipids in some studies.
Dosage
Research and supplement use describe oral intakes in the region of 1 to 6 grams per day, with higher pharmaceutical doses used in homocystinuria under medical care. These figures describe doses studied in research and are not a recommendation.