Betaine
What is Betaine?
Betaine, also known as trimethylglycine, is an amino acid found in foods such as cereal grains, spinach, beets, and shellfish. It is used for a variety of health benefits, including enhancing muscle function, supporting cardiovascular health, and reducing levels of homocysteine, an amino acid associated with heart disease and stroke. Betaine also plays a role in maintaining healthy liver function, and helps maintain methylation processes in the body.
Where is Betaine Generally Used?
Betaine is used as a dietary supplement and as an ingredient in many personal care products such as lotions, shampoos, and toothpaste. It is also used in the food and beverage industry as a stabilizing agent, to enhance the texture and shelf life of processed foods.
Where is Betaine Found?
Betaine is naturally found in many foods, such as wheat germ, spinach, beets, shellfish, and some fruits and vegetables. It is also available as a supplement in tablet, capsule, and powder form.
What are the Health Benefits of Betaine?
- May help reduce homocysteine levels, which is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
- May help support healthy muscle function.
- May help reduce fat accumulation in the liver.
- May help support cardiovascular health.
- May help improve methylation processes in the body.
Interesting Facts about Betaine
- Betaine is structurally similar to the essential amino acid glycine.
- It was first isolated in 1835 from the juice of sugar beets.
- Betaine is also known as trimethylglycine.
- It is used as an ingredient in many personal care products.
List of other similar ingredients
- Glycine
- Choline
- Phosphatidylcholine
- S-Adenosyl-methionine (SAM-e)
- Taurine
- Creatine
- Glutathione