Betaine

Overview

Betaine, additionally known as trimethylglycine (TMG), is a substance created within the body and is involved in liver function, cellular reproduction, and serving to build Carnitine. It conjointly helps the body metabolize homocysteine, an amino acid, that is implicated in attributing to cardiovascular disease. Betaine is taken orally by people with a genetic condition referred to as homocystinuria to help lower excessive homocysteine levels. Betaine is a byproduct of the processing of sugar beets and also found in wine, seafood, spinach, and cereals.

Health Benefits of Betaine

Cardiovascular System 

 Betaine (especially the Trimethylglycine (TMG) form of Betaine) may help to prevent and treat Atherosclerosis (by detoxifying and inhibiting the production of Homocysteine - a substance strongly implicated in the progression of Atherosclerosis).  ^[1]

 Betaine (especially the Trimethylglycine (TMG) form of Betaine) may help to prevent Cardiovascular Diseases (due to Betaine functioning as a methyl donor which lowers Homocysteine levels). 

 Betaine (especially the Trimethylglycine (TMG) form of Betaine) may lower (diastolic) Blood Pressure in High Blood Pressure patients.  ^[2]

Digestive System

 Betaine Hydrochloride may reduce the risk of Gallstones in persons with low levels of Hydrochloric Acid (i.e. in persons afflicted with Hypochlorhydria).  

 Betaine Hydrochloride may alleviate many cases of Heartburn (by increasing the level of Hydrochloric Acid in the Stomach). ^[3]

 Betaine Hydrochloride functions as a supplemental source of Hydrochloric Acid for Hypochlorhydria patients.  ^[4]

 Betaine Hydrochloride may be useful for the treatment of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome (Hypochlorhydria (lack of Hydrochloric Acid) patients have increased the risk of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome.  Betaine Hydrochloride is a source of supplemental Hydrochloric Acid that may eliminate Hypochlorhydria and therefore eliminate the underlying cause of Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome). 

Excretory System

 Betaine may inhibit the ability of some toxins. ie. Carbon Tetrachloride, to damage the Kidneys.  ^[5]

Immune System

 Betaine Hydrochloride may prevent and treat Allergies (insufficient production of Hydrochloric Acid in the Stomach (Hypochlorhydria) is believed to be an underlying cause of some Allergies and Betaine Hydrochloride is a supplemental source of Hydrochloric Acid).  ^[6]