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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

How do European safety values compare with research doses?

EFSA considered an additional 400 mg daily, approximately 6 mg/kg body weight for adults, safe in its novel-food assessment. The 2019 follow-up accepted revised food uses within that framework. This is an assessment of specified food uses, not a treatment dose or a general intake target. 1 2

Can high amounts affect cholesterol?

EFSA found that 4 g daily and above may raise total and LDL cholesterol. Results differed across populations, with a signal in overweight people with metabolic syndrome. 1

What needs medical supervision?

The Cystadane label warns about high methionine and uncommon brain swelling in CBS-deficiency patients, and possible interactions with vigabatrin, GABA analogues, and amino-acid mixtures. Pregnancy use is reserved for clear need; breastfeeding data are lacking. These are precautions for the prescription treatment. 3

What about digestive side effects?

The prescription label lists nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach discomfort as uncommon adverse effects of betaine anhydrous treatment. 3

For information, not individual medical advice. Ingredient studies do not establish the effectiveness of these products.

Sources

  3. Cystadane: product information European Medicines Agency