Amino acid & compound

Betaine (TMG)

Betaine anhydrous, trimethylglycine

A compound found in beets, spinach and whole grains that helps your body recycle homocysteine into the amino acid methionine.

Evidence
B Consistent trials, but at 4 g a day or more
Studied for
Homocysteine levels

What studies found

A review of 5 placebo-controlled trials in healthy adults found that at least 4 g of betaine a day for 6 weeks or more lowered blood homocysteine a little. Homocysteine is a marker your doctor can measure; lowering it hasn't been shown to change how people feel. Another review found that betaine supplements moderately raised total cholesterol, mainly at higher amounts.

How much is in our products

ProductAmount
5-MTHF Methylfolate 1.8 g per 3-capsule serving

In studies: At least 4 g a day for 6 to 24 weeks in trials of healthy adults.

Our 1.8 g is less than half the 4 g a day used in the trials.

Who should take care

Betaine can raise total and LDL cholesterol, especially at higher amounts, so ask your doctor to check your cholesterol if you take it long term. Upset stomach or loose stools are possible. There isn't enough research for pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting a supplement if you take any medicine, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.

Read more in our guides

Sources

  1. McRae MP 2013. Betaine supplementation decreases plasma homocysteine in healthy adult participants: a meta-analysis. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine
  2. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Betaine supplementation moderately increases total cholesterol levels

This page is for general education and isn't medical advice. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.