Betaine, also known as trimethylglycine, is an organic chemical compound belonging to amino acids. It is a derivative of glycine with three methyl groups attached to the nitrogen atom, making it one of the most potent methyl donors in the body. Due to its chemical properties, betaine is stable over a wide range of pH and temperatures, which allows it to effectively perform various functions in the human body. It is naturally found in many foods, such as sugar beets, spinach, seafood, whole grains, and wheat.
The importance of betaine
In recent years, betaine has attracted increasing attention from researchers due to its multidimensional role in the human body. Its properties as an osmolyte, methylation modulator, and cellular structure stabilizer make betaine play a key role in many physiological processes, such as homocysteine regulation, liver function support, 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 methyl group donor 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 as a result of the conversion of methionine, and its excess in the blood is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. In this process, betaine acts through the enzyme betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT), transferring a methyl group to homocysteine, which leads to the formation of methionine.
Synthesis of methionine and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)
Methionine, an essential amino acid, is a precursor to S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), one of the most important methylation cofactors in the body. SAMe is involved in over 200 enzymatic reactions, including DNA synthesis, gene regulation, lipid metabolism, and neurotransmitter production. Methionine and SAMe deficiency can lead to disorders in these processes, which affects the development of diseases of the nervous system and the cardiovascular system.
Influence on the folate and homocysteine cycle
Betaine works synergistically with folates and vitamin B12 to support the proper methylation cycle, including the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Excess homocysteine in the blood, known as hyperhomocysteinemia, is associated with an increased risk of developing atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disease. Betaine effectively reduces homocysteine levels, stabilizing its concentration at a safe level.
Betaine as a cell protective factor
Osmoregulation
One of the primary functions of betaine 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 overhydration. By stabilizing the structure of proteins and cell membranes, betaine helps liver, kidney, and epithelial cells maintain their structural and functional integrity.
Liver protection
Betaine has a strong hepatoprotective effect, meaning it can protect liver cells from damage. Studies on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have shown that betaine supplementation led to a reduction in hepatocyte fat content and an improvement in lipid profile.The action of betaine results from its ability to support 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 influencing pro-inflammatory factors such as cytokines. Its anti-inflammatory effects are particularly important in the case of inflammation caused by metabolic stress, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome. Studies have shown that betaine can reduce the levels of inflammatory markers such as TNF-α and IL-6, which improves the health of chronic inflammatory diseases.
The Effects of Betaine on Cardiovascular Health
Reduction of homocysteine levels
Betaine effectively lowers the level of homocysteine in the blood, which is an important preventive factor in the context of cardiovascular diseases. Homocysteine contributes to damage of the endothelium of blood vessels, which increases the risk of atherosclerosis, strokes and heart attacks.
Anti-atherosclerotic effect
Betaine can inhibit atherosclerosis by improving vascular endothelial function and reducing homocysteine levels. Its protective effect on blood vessels results from 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, which translates into improved physical performance and increased muscle strength. The mechanism of action of betaine in this context is to provide methyl groups for creatine synthesis, which supports faster ATP energy production during intense physical exercise.
Additionally, betaine supports training adaptations by improving muscle recovery and reducing markers of oxidative stress, which may improve overall athletic performance. Betaine has also been studied for its effect on reducing cortisol levels, which may promote better post-exercise recovery and reduced fatigue.
Betaine in ketogenic and low-carb diets:
High-fat, low-carb diets (e.g., 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 supplement to support such diets. Studies show that supplementing with betaine in people on a ketogenic diet can prevent negative metabolic effects while improving the body's ability to regulate blood lipids.
Supporting the treatment of metabolic diseases
Betaine has great potential in treating metabolic disorders such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and abdominal obesity. The mechanism of action of betaine is based on its ability to improve insulin sensitivity, which results 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 studied as a therapeutic aid in cases of insulin resistance, where it may have a protective effect on pancreatic beta cells and support regenerative processes, potentially reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Protective mechanisms of betaine in the context of oxidative stress
The role of betaine as an antioxidant
Betaine acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from the harmful effects of free radicals. It reduces oxidative stress, which is the main cause of DNA, protein and lipid damage in the body. Studies have shown that betaine reduces 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 capabilities of the body. Betaine also supports mitochondrial function, which contributes to better management of oxidative stress in cells with high metabolism, such as liver and muscle cells.
Potential side effects and contraindications
Betaine safety
Clinical studies of betaine have shown it to be generally safe when used at recommended doses. However, long-term use of high doses of betaine can lead to elevated blood choline levels, which may be associated with the risk of excess trimethylamine (TMA), a metabolite associated with body odor and increased cardiovascular risk.
Potential side effects
High doses of betaine can cause gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, allergic reactions may also occur. People with kidney disease should use betaine with caution, because it may increase the metabolic load on the kidneys.
Contraindications
Betaine should not be used by people with rare metabolic disorders, such as primary methylation disorders or kidney disease. People with heart problems should consult a doctor before supplementing, as excess betaine may affect electrolyte balance and choline metabolism.
The Future of Betaine Research
New research directions
Current research on betaine focuses on its role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases and its potential applications in cancer therapy. There is evidence that betaine can support nerve cell regeneration and protect against DNA damage, which is particularly promising in the context of treating diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Research on the synergistic effects of betaine
Another area of research is the synergistic effects of betaine with other nutrients, such as B vitamins, choline, and other antioxidants. Integrating betaine into comprehensive treatment protocols may help improve treatment efficacy and reduce the risk of side effects.
Betaine is a broad-spectrum ingredient that plays a key role in regulating metabolism, protecting cells from osmotic stress, and supporting cardiovascular and liver health. Its methyl and osmolyte donor actions make it an extremely versatile supplement that can support metabolic health and chronic disease prevention. Further research on betaine is needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential and potential for medical applications.
Sources:
- Newborn screening for homocystinuria 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