Betaine (Trimethylglycine)

Trimethylglycine is an amino acid derivative that occurs in plants. Trimethylglycine was the first betaine discovered; originally it was simply called betaine because, in the 19th century, it was discovered in sugar beets.

What is Trimethylglycine used for?

Trimethylglycine (TMG), also called betaine, is a substance manufactured by the body. It helps break down another naturally occurring substance called homocysteine. In certain rare genetic conditions, the body cannot dispose of homocysteine, resulting in its accumulation to extremely high levels

What are the benefits of betaine?

Evidence increasingly shows that betaine is a critical nutrient in protecting and enhancing the function of internal organs and improving vascular risk metrics. It may also aid with digestive function, heart health, liver function and detoxification, fat loss, and muscle mass improvement.

Is betaine and TMG the SAMe thing?

TMG stands for “Trimethylglycine”, which is the chemical term for betaine. Betaine HCL is usually synthesized, whereas TMG is made from sugar beets. There are no published studies on whether betaine HCL can function as a methyl donor to lower homocysteine and elevate SAMe.

Is betaine a vitamin?

Betaine (trimethylglycine) functions very closely with choline,folic acid, vitamin B12, and a form of the amino acid methionine known as S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe). All of these compounds function as “methyl donors.” They carry and donate methyl molecules to facilitate necessary chemical processes