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Amino acid

Betaine

Betaine, also called trimethylglycine or TMG, is a compound found in beets, spinach and whole grains that donates methyl groups in metabolism.

Also listed as TMG, Glycine Betaine, Oxyneurine, Trimethylglycine

Organ FunctionEnergyFitnessGut Health

Did it help people with fatty liver?

A trial assigned 55 people with biopsy-confirmed NASH, an inflammatory form of fatty liver disease, to 20 g daily or placebo for a year. Only 35 completed it. There was no improvement in disease activity or fibrosis; the corrected conclusion found no improvement in liver fat compared with placebo, while leaving possible protection against worsening open. 1

Liver healthMixed

The proposed liver benefits have not translated into clear treatment benefits in this trial. 1 2

Can it improve exercise performance?

NIH describes small studies, mainly in men, with conflicting results and generally modest improvements when present. Studied amounts were typically 2–5 g daily for up to 15 days, not an established recommendation. 3

Physical EnergyMixed

Strength and power findings are inconsistent; they do not establish relief of everyday fatigue. 3

Does betaine HCl increase stomach acid?

In six healthy volunteers whose stomach acid had been suppressed with rabeprazole, 1,500 mg of betaine HCl temporarily lowered stomach pH. This was a physiological experiment, not a trial showing relief of digestive symptoms. 4

Gut healthToo little evidence

Temporary acidification is demonstrated in this small study; broader digestive benefits remain uncertain. 4

Effects by health goal

Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.

Energy1 effect

Physical EnergyEnergyModerateBNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Fitness1 effect

Muscle RecoveryFitnessSmallBNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Gut Health1 effect

Gut healthSmallCNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

All studies

3 publications are linked to Betaine, newest first.

Preventive and therapeutic role of betaine in liver disease: A review on molecular mechanisms.2021Beneficial Effects of Betaine: A Comprehensive Review2021Betaine chemistry, roles, and potential use in liver disease.2016

Sources