Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-Methanaminium, 2-(trimethylammonio) ethanoic acid, abromine, alpha-earleine, betaine, betaine glucuronate, BetaPure^TM, (carboxymethyl)trimethylammonium hydroxide inner salt, Cystadane®, glycine, glycine betaine, glycocoll betaine, glycylbetaine, hydroxide, inner salt, lycine, methanaminium1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl, inner salt, oxyneurine, TMG, trimethylammonioacetate trimethylbetaine, trimethylglycine, trimethylglycocoll.
• Selected combination product: Ietepar® (betaine glucuronate, diethanolamine glucuronate, nicotinamide ascorbate).
• Note: This monograph covers betaine anhydrous, which should not be confused with betaine hydrochloride.

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• Betaine is found in most microorganisms, plants, and marine animals. Its main physiologic functions are as an organic osmolyte to protect cells under stress and as a source of methyl groups needed for many biochemical pathways (1). Betaine is also found naturally in many foods and is most highly concentrated in beets, spinach, grain, and shellfish (2).
• Betaine supplementation has historically been used in the treatment of homocysteinuria due to genetic deficiencies in the cystathione beta synthase and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genes (3).
• Multiple randomized control trials have shown that betaine supplementation at doses of 6g daily may reduce circulating levels of homocysteine, a potential risk factor for heart disease, stroke, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease (4;​5;​6;​7;​8;​9). The magnitude of reduction is stronger for post-methionine loading (PML) homocysteine than for fasting homocysteine. In addition, the effect of betaine supplementation tends to be stronger among subjects not taking B-vitamin supplementation. However, most studies have been limited by small sample size.
• A few, small, dose-response trials among healthy patients suggest that betaine supplementation at lower doses (1.5-3g daily for up to six weeks) may also be beneficial in reducing homocysteine (4;​5;​8).
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Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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