Betaine, also known as trimethylglycine, is an organic chemical compound belonging to the amino acids. It is a derivative of glycine with three methyl groups attached to a nitrogen atom, making it one of the strongest donors of methyl groups in the body. Due to its chemical properties, betaine is stable over a wide range of pH and temperatures, allowing it to effectively perform various functions in the human body. It is naturally found in many foods, such as beets, spinach, seafood, whole grains and wheat.
The importance of betaine
In recent years, betaine has attracted increasing attention from researchers due to its multifaceted role in the human body. Its properties as an osmolyte, modulator of methylation and stabilizer of cellular structures mean that betaine plays a key role in many physiological processes, such as homocysteine regulation, support of liver function, and protection against osmotic and oxidative stress. Betaine also has the ability to improve physical performance and protect cardiovascular health, making it an interesting ingredient in the prevention and treatment of many diseases.
The role of betaine in metabolism
Methylation in the body
Betaine plays a key role as a donor of methyl groups in numerous biochemical reactions. One of the most important processes in which it participates is the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Homocysteine is a sulfur amino acid formed by the metabolism of methionine, and excess homocysteine in the blood is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. In this process, betaine acts through the enzyme betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) to transfer a methyl group to homocysteine, leading to the formation of methionine.
Synthesis of methionine and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)
Methionine, as an essential amino acid, is the precursor of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), one of the most important methylation cofactors in the body. SAMe is involved in more than 200 enzymatic reactions, including DNA synthesis, gene regulation, lipid metabolism and neurotransmitter production. Deficiency of methionine and SAMe can lead to disorders in these processes, which affects the development of diseases of the nervous system, as well as the cardiovascular system.
Effects on the folate and homocysteine cycle
Betaine works synergistically with folate and vitamin B12 to promote the normal methylation cycle, including the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Excess homocysteine in the blood, known as hyperhomocysteinemia, is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Betaine effectively reduces homocysteine levels, stabilizing them at safe levels .
Betaine as a protective factor for cells
Osmoregulation
One of betaine's primary functions is its role as an osmolyte, a substance that regulates the osmotic balance of cells. Betaine protects cells from osmotic stress, which can occur as a result of changes in osmotic pressure in the external environment, such as dehydration or over-hydration. By stabilizing the structure of proteins and cell membranes, betaine helps liver, kidney and epithelial cells maintain structural and functional integrity .
Liver protection
Betaine exhibits strong hepatoprotective effects, meaning it can protect liver cells from damage. In a study on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), it was shown that betaine supplementation led to a reduction in fat content in hepatocytes and an improved lipid profile. Betaine's effects are due to its ability to promote beta-oxidation of fatty acids and reduce oxidative stress in liver cells.
Anti-inflammatory properties
Betaine acts as a regulator of the inflammatory response by affecting pro-inflammatory factors such as cytokines. Its anti-inflammatory effects are particularly important for inflammation caused by metabolic stress, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome. Studies have shown that betaine can lower inflammatory markers such as TNF-α and IL-6, which improves health in chronic inflammatory diseases.
Effects of betaine on cardiovascular health
Reduction of homocysteine levels
Betaine effectively reduces homocysteine levels in the blood, which is an important preventive factor in the context of cardiovascular disease. Homocysteine contributes to damage to the endothelium of blood vessels, which increases the risk of atherosclerosis, strokes and heart attacks.
Anti-atherosclerotic effects
Betaine can inhibit atherosclerotic processes by improving vascular endothelial function and reducing homocysteine levels. Its protective effect on blood vessels is due to its ability to modulate inflammatory processes and protect endothelial cells from oxidative damage.
Therapeutic applications of betaine
Betaine supplementation in sports
Betaine is often used as a dietary supplement in the sports community due to its potential ergogenic properties. Studies show that betaine supplementation can increase creatine synthesis, resulting in improved physical performance and increased muscle strength. Betaine's mechanism of action in this context is to provide methyl groups for creatine synthesis, which supports faster ATP energy production during intense exercise.
In addition, betaine supports training adaptations by improving muscle recovery and reducing markers of oxidative stress, which can improve overall athletic performance. Betaine has also been studied for its effects on reducing cortisol levels, which may promote better post-workout recovery and reduced fatigue.
Betaine in ketogenic and low-carbohydrate diets:
High-fat and low-carbohydrate diets (such as the ketogenic diet) can lead to increased levels of homocysteine in the blood, which in turn increases the risk of atherosclerosis and other metabolic disorders. Betaine, due to its ability to reduce homocysteine, is often used as a supportive supplement in such diets. Studies show that betaine supplementation in people on a ketogenic diet can prevent negative metabolic effects while improving the body's ability to regulate blood lipid levels.
Supporting the treatment of metabolic disorders
Betaine has great potential in the treatment of metabolic disorders such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and abdominal obesity. Betaine's mechanism of action is based on its ability to improve insulin sensitivity, resulting in better regulation of blood glucose levels. Clinical studies have shown that betaine supplementation led to reduced inflammation and improved lipid parameters in patients with metabolic syndrome.
Betaine is also being investigated as an adjunct therapy in cases of insulin resistance, where it may have a protective effect on pancreatic beta cells and promote regenerative processes, potentially reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Protective mechanisms of betaine in the context of oxidative stress
Betaine's role as an antioxidant
Betaine acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from the damaging effects of free radicals. It has the effect of reducing the level of oxidative stress, which is the main cause of damage to DNA, proteins and lipids in the body. In studies, betaine has been shown to reduce oxidative stress by increasing glutathione (GSH) levels in cells and modulating the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT).
Interactions with other antioxidants
Betaine works synergistically with other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, E and glutathione. Combining betaine with these ingredients can lead to increased protection of cells from oxidative stress and improved regenerative capacity of the body. Betaine also supports mitochondrial function, which contributes to better oxidative stress management in high metabolism cells such as liver and muscle cells.
Potential side effects and contraindications
Safety of betaine
Clinical studies on betaine have shown that it is generally safe when used at recommended doses. However, long-term use of high doses of betaine may lead to elevated blood choline levels, which may be associated with the risk of excessive trimethylamine (TMA), a metabolite associated with body odor and increased cardiovascular risk .
Potential side effects
High doses of betaine can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, such as diarrhea, nausea and abdominal pain. In special cases, allergic reactions may also occur. People with kidney disease should use betaine with caution, as it can increase the metabolic burden on the kidneys.
Contraindications
Betaine should not be used in people with rare metabolic disorders, such as primary methylation disorders or kidney disease. People with cardiac problems should consult a doctor before starting supplementation, as excess betaine can affect electrolyte balance and choline metabolism.
The future of betaine research
New research directions
Current research on betaine is focused on its role in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases and its potential applications in cancer therapy. There is evidence that betaine can promote nerve cell regeneration and protect against DNA damage, which is particularly promising for the treatment of conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Research on the synergistic effects of betaine
Another area of research is the synergistic effect of betaine with other nutrients, such as B vitamins, choline and other antioxidants. Integrating betaine into complex therapeutic protocols may help improve treatment efficacy and reduce the risk of side effects.
Betaine is a broad-spectrum ingredient, playing a key role in regulating metabolism, protecting cells from osmotic stress and supporting cardiovascular and liver health. Its action as a methyl group donor and osmolyte makes it an extremely versatile supplement that can support metabolic health and the prevention of chronic diseases. Further research on betaine is needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential and potential for medical applications.
Sources:
- Newborn screening for homocystinurias and methylation disorders: systematic review and proposed guidelines
- The metabolic burden of methyl donor deficiency with focus on the betaine homocysteine methyltransferase pathway
- Choline and betaine in health and disease
- Ribosomal modification protein rimK-like family member A activates betaine-homocysteine S-methyltransferase 1 to ameliorate hepatic steatosis
- Choline