Betaine

Betaine was originally found in sugar beets (Beta vulgaris), which is the source of its name. Betaines are a group of structurally similar compounds. But because the first betaine discovered was trimethylglycine (the type of betaine found in sugar beets), betaine is commonly used as a synonym for trimethylglycine (TMG), though TMG is more specifically called glycine betaine (there can be non-glycine containing betaines but they are not typically used as dietary supplements). Betaine is an amino acid derivative (i.e., it falls into the protein category). It is found in some foods—in addition to beet roots, other good sources include quinoa, spinach, lamb and wheat brain. Betaine can also be made in the body from choline. This is thought to be a main metabolic fate of dietary choline. However, according to the National Institute of Health most adults don’t get the recommended amount of choline in their diet, so relying on choline (which is also needed to produce phosphatidylcholine for cell membranes and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine) to make betaine can be akin to the saying “Robbing Peter to pay Paul.” Betaine is an important cofactor in methylation, a process that occurs in cells where methyl groups (-CH3) are donated for other processes in the body. These processes include (1) synthesizing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, (2) making melatonin and CoQ10, (3) methylation of DNA for epigenetics, (4) remethylation of homocysteine [1] (which has a key role in cardiovascular health [2]), and (5) influencing S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe) and folate levels (since they are actively involved in methylation). Betaine is thought to be the source of up to 60% of the methyl groups required for the methylation of homocysteine [3]. Strategies that boost NAD can decrease betaine [4,5] (NAD metabolites are methylated for elimination). Because of this, experts recommend supplementing betaine when strategies are used to boost NAD. Betaine has been largely used to support heart and liver function, but more recently has been receiving attention as a possible ergogenic (i.e., sports performance) and nootropic. Some biohackers use betaine to support sleep.*

TOP BENEFITS OF BETAINE

Supports NAD metabolism *

Supports aspects of sports performance *

Supports brain health *

QUALIA’S BETAINE SOURCING

Betaine sourcing is focused on ensuring it is Non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan.

BETAINE FORMULATING PRINCIPLES AND RATIONALE

Betaine plays a central role in methylation and is involved in the synthesis of important neurotransmitters (dopamine and serotonin) and the neurohormone melatonin. It is also something that can be decreased when higher amounts of niacin equivalent compounds are supplemented. For these reasons, it can play a role in a variety of different types of formulations. The amount of betaine used in a formulation will vary depending upon the purpose it is being used for. In general, Qualia believes it’s prudent to supplement betaine (or a choline source) when niacin equivalents are used in amounts significantly greater than the daily value (DV) to ensure against unintended depletion. When used to ensure against depletion a general rule of thumb is that approximately 1 mg of betaine can be used for each mg of niacin equivalent supplemented. When used for supporting homocysteine metabolism, heart or liver health, as a nootropic or ergogenic (i.e., not simply to ensure against depletion), or for supporting sleep, higher amounts may be used. Servings above 1500 mg a day may increase cholesterol levels, so, even in these other applications, Qualia believes in using a more moderate serving of betaine, combined with other supportive nutrients.* 

BETAINE KEY MECHANISMS

Supports homocysteine metabolism*

Methylates homocysteine to produce the amino acid L-methionine* [1]

Modulates the blood levels of homocysteine* [6–8]

Supports NAD metabolome*

Supports the demand for methyl groups caused by the metabolism of niacin equivalents (e.g., niacin, niacinamide, nicotinamide riboside, NMN)* [9]

Supports the production of hepatic S-adenosylmethionine* [10–12]

Balances the reduction in hepatic levels of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) caused by the metabolism of niacin equivalents* [9]

Supports mitochondrial function and structure*

Supports mitochondrial structure* [13,14]

Supports mitochondrial function* [15–17]

Supports electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation performance* [15,16,18,19]

Supports fatty acid oxidation* [13,20]

Supports brain function*

Supports memory* [21–25]

Supports betaine-GABA transporters* [24,25]

Supports neuronal mitochondrial performance* [19]

Supports brain phospholipid metabolism* [20]

Supports brain antioxidant defenses* [23,25–27]

Supports healthy liver function*

Supports hepatic fatty acid metabolism* [10–13,18,28]

Supports liver antioxidant defenses* [15,17]

Supports exercise performance*

Supports resistance training performance* [29–33]

Supports anabolic signaling* [34]

Supports healthy gastrointestinal function*

Supports a healthy gut microbiota composition* [35–39] 

Supports cell function*

Osmolyte—regulates cell hydration* [40]

Complementary ingredients*

Choline—Supplementation with choline sources can support betaine levels* [41,42]  

S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe)—Supplementation with betaine can support SAMe levels* [43]

Folic acid in regulating homocysteine levels* [7]

Melatonin for gut health* [44,45]

*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.

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