Betaine
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Evidence Summary
Betaine is a compound involved in the methylation cycle, primarily studied for its role in regulating homocysteine levels. Research suggests it may be effective in lowering homocysteine, particularly when used in conjunction with B vitamins.
Evidence by Condition
Supplementation with betaine, often alongside low-dose B vitamins, is associated with reduced homocysteine concentrations.
A randomized placebo-controlled trial investigated betaine for NAFLD, but more large-scale evidence is required.
Research has explored the association between betaine, homocysteine, and cognitive function in the elderly, but evidence remains limited.
Effective Doses
Specific dose ranges are not clearly defined in the provided research abstracts.
Key Findings
- Low-dose B vitamins plus betaine supplementation can lower homocysteine concentrations in adults with hyperhomocysteinemia (PMID: 36717385).
- Fibrates may cause abnormal urinary betaine loss, which is associated with elevations in plasma homocysteine (PMID: 19653086).
- Betaine, folic acid, and B vitamins can influence homocysteine and dimethylglycine levels in men consuming alcohol (PMID: 26771632).
Limitations
Much of the current research focuses on metabolic markers like homocysteine rather than long-term clinical outcomes, and many studies are limited to small sample sizes or specific populations.
Safety & Interactions
No specific contraindications were detailed in the provided text, though the study notes a relationship between fibrate use and altered betaine excretion.
AI-generated summary from 23 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 100% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 82% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 8% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
Research by Topic
Research Evidence (23)
UNLABELLED: Moderate regular consumption of alcoholic beverages is believed to protect against atherosclerosis but can also increase homocysteine or dimethylglycine, which are putative risk factors for atherosclerosis. We aimed (1) to investigate the...
**Abdelmalek et al., 2009** | Hepatology | Rct Abdelmalek Manal F, Sanderson Schuyler O, ... Lindor Keith D. Betaine for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: results of a randomized placebo-controlled trial. Hepatology. 2009-Dec;50(6):1818-26. doi:10.10...
**Morris et al., 2017** | J Inherit Metab Dis | Systematic Review Morris Andrew A M, Kožich Viktor, ... Chapman Kimberly A. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency. J Inherit Metab Dis. 2017-Jan;40(1):49-...
**Huemer et al., 2015** | J Inherit Metab Dis | Systematic Review Huemer Martina, Kožich Viktor, ... Blom Henk J. Newborn screening for homocystinurias and methylation disorders: systematic review and proposed guidelines. J Inherit Metab Dis. 2015-No...
**Lu et al., 2023** | Eur J Nutr | Rct Lu Xiao-Ting, Wang Yi-Na, ... Zhu Hui-Lian. Effects of low-dose B vitamins plus betaine supplementation on lowering homocysteine concentrations among Chinese adults with hyperhomocysteinemia: a randomized, doubl...
**Imani et al., 2019** | Int Orthod | Meta Analysis Imani Mohammad Moslem, Lopez-Jornet Pia, ... Sadeghi Masoud. Association of Betaine-Homocysteine S-Methyl Transferase (rs3797546 and rs3733890) polymorphisms with non-syndromic cleft lip/palate: A m...
BACKGROUND: Choline deficiency has numerous negative health consequences; although the preponderance of the US population consumes less than the recommended Adequate Intake (AI), clinical assessment of choline status is difficult. Further, several pa...
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized notably by gut microbial dysbiosis and insufficient dietary fiber (DF) intake. This study aims to investigate the effect of DF placebo-controlled intervention in ...
BACKGROUND: Choline is an essential nutrient, and insufficient intake negatively affects the liver, brain, and muscles. In the United States, habitual choline intake remains below the adequate intake (AI). To date, no circulating metabolites have bee...
**Lever et al., 2009** | Cardiovasc Drugs Ther | Rct Lever Michael, George Peter M, ... Chambers Stephen T. Fibrates may cause an abnormal urinary betaine loss which is associated with elevations in plasma homocysteine. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther. 2009-Oc...
**Salazar et al., 2021** | JNCI Cancer Spectr | Systematic Review Salazar Ana S, Rakhmankulova Malika, ... Toriola Adetunji T. Chemoprevention Agents to Reduce Mammographic Breast Density in Premenopausal Women: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials...
**Eussen et al., 2007** | Br J Nutr | Rct Eussen Simone J P M, Ueland Per M, ... de Groot Lisette C P G M. The association of betaine, homocysteine and related metabolites with cognitive function in Dutch elderly people. Br J Nutr. 2007-Nov;98(5):960...
BACKGROUND: Adequate intake of choline is essential for growth and homeostasis, but its supply does often not meet requirements. Choline deficiency decreases phosphatidylcholine (PC) and betaine synthesis, resulting in organ pathology, especially of ...
BACKGROUND: Supply of choline is not guaranteed in current preterm infant nutrition. Choline serves in parenchyma formation by membrane phosphatidylcholine (PC), plasma transport of poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) via PC, and methylation processe...
BACKGROUND: Choline deficiency leads to pathologies particularly of the liver, brain and lung. Adequate supply is important for preterm infants and patients with cystic fibrosis. We analysed the assimilation of four different enterally administered d...
**Atkinson et al., 2009** | Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis | Rct 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....
**Schwab et al., 2002** | Am J Clin Nutr | Rct Schwab Ursula, Törrönen Anneli, ... Uusitupa Matti. Betaine supplementation decreases plasma homocysteine concentrations but does not affect body weight, body composition, or resting energy expenditure i...
As a crucial part of the symbiotic system, the gut microbiome is metabolically connected to many diseases and conditions, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Trimethylamine (TMA) is produced by gut bacteria from dietary choline, betaine, or L-ca...
Although diet plays a leading role in treatment of non-alcoholic fatty disease (and, in particular, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), specialized foods for the treatment of these patients have not yet been developed. The aim of the study was to assess ...
BACKGROUND: Betaine is an "alternate" methyl donor for homocysteine remethylation catalyzed by betaine homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT), an enzyme mainly expressed in the liver and kidney. Betaine has been used for more than 30 years in pyridoxi...
Background and Objectives: The goal of this study was to assess the impact of supplementation with a combination of nutrients on metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)-related liver parameters, and other parameters related t...
**NCT ID**: NCT01371357 **Phase**: PHASE3 **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 40 **Completion**: 2011-12
**Holm et al., 2004** | Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol | Rct Holm Pål I, Bleie Øyvind, ... Nygård Ottar. Betaine as a determinant of postmethionine load total plasma homocysteine before and after B-vitamin supplementation. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Bio...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is betaine and how does it work?
Betaine is a compound involved in the body's methylation cycle, primarily used to help regulate homocysteine levels. There is moderate evidence that it can be effective in lowering homocysteine, especially when taken alongside B vitamins.
Can betaine help lower homocysteine levels?
Yes, there is moderate evidence that betaine supplementation can help reduce homocysteine concentrations in adults. This effect is most notable when betaine is used in conjunction with low-dose B vitamins.
Is betaine effective for fatty liver disease (NAFLD)?
There is currently insufficient evidence to confirm if betaine is effective for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). While some randomized trials have investigated this, more large-scale research is needed.
Does betaine help with memory or cognitive function?
There is currently insufficient evidence regarding the use of betaine for cognitive function. While researchers have explored the link between betaine, homocysteine, and brain health in the elderly, the findings remain limited.
What is the recommended dose of betaine?
Specific effective dose ranges for betaine are not clearly defined in current research. You should consult with a healthcare professional to determine an appropriate dose for your needs.
Are there any drug interactions with betaine?
Research suggests that fibrates may cause abnormal loss of betaine through urine, which is associated with higher homocysteine levels. If you are taking fibrates, you should discuss betaine supplementation with your doctor.
Is betaine safe to take?
No specific safety contraindications were detailed in the available research. However, because certain medications like fibrates can alter how your body processes betaine, it is important to monitor your levels with a professional.
Who should avoid taking betaine?
There is no specific evidence identifying groups that must avoid betaine. However, individuals taking fibrates should be cautious, as these medications may impact betaine excretion and homocysteine levels.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.