Dietary and supplementary betaine: effects on betaine and homocysteine concentrations in males

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#adult #betaine #biomarkers #choline #creatinine

Dietary and supplementary betaine: effects on betaine and homocysteine concentrations in males

Atkinson et al., 2009 | Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis | Rct

Citation

Atkinson W, Slow S, ... George P M. Dietary and supplementary betaine: effects on betaine and homocysteine concentrations in males. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2009-Dec;19(11):767-73. doi:10.1016/j.numecd.2009.01.004

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Betaine is an osmolyte that when catabolised decreases plasma total homocysteine. A betaine-rich meal has acute effects similar to a supplement, but the effects of a longer-term increase in dietary betaine intake need clarification. We compared the effects of two weeks of dietary and supplementary betaine on plasma betaine and homocysteine concentrations both fasting and after a methionine load. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a randomized crossover study, 8 healthy males (22-36 y) consumed either a betaine-rich diet ( approximately 800 mg/day) or a betaine supplement (0.5 g twice daily) for 14 days. Fasting blood samples were collected on day -5, -1 (pre-treatment) 0, 2, 6, 9, 13 (treatment), 14 and 18 (post-treatment). Post-methionine load blood samples were collected on day -5, 0, 6 and 13, while 24h urine samples were collected on day -5, 0, 6, 13 and 14. Plasma betaine, dimethylglycine, homocysteine and urine betaine, dimethylglycine and creatinine concentrations were measured. Plasma betaine concentrations significantly increased for both treatments compared to pre-treatment values (P<0.001). Fasting homocysteine levels were minimally affected. Both treatments reduced post-methionine load homocysteine and this effect tended to be greater following a betaine-rich diet (P=0.108). Small increases in urinary betaine excretion were observed following both treatments ( approximately 1.5% of supplement; approximately 1.3% of dietary betaine). Most was attributable to increased excretion of betaine as dimethylglycine. CONCLUSIONS: Supplemental or dietary betaine similarly increase circulating betaine concentrations and attenuate the post-methionine load rise in homocysteine concentrations.

Key Findings

In a randomized crossover study, 8 healthy males (22-36 y) consumed either a betaine-rich diet ( approximately 800 mg/day) or a betaine supplement (0.5 g twice daily) for 14 days. Fasting blood samples were collected on day -5, -1 (pre-treatment) 0, 2, 6, 9, 13 (treatment), 14 and 18 (post-treatment). Post-methionine load blood samples were collected on day -5, 0, 6 and 13, while 24h urine samples were collected on day -5, 0, 6, 13 and 14. Plasma betaine, dimethylglycine, homocysteine and urine

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Adult
  • Betaine
  • Biomarkers
  • Choline
  • Creatinine
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Diet
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Folic Acid
  • Homocysteine
  • Humans
  • Lipids
  • Male
  • Sarcosine
  • Time Factors
  • Vitamin B 12
  • Young Adult

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Rct
  • Publication Types: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Vertical: betaine

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-10