Genetic variants this may be helpful for: BHMT, CHDH
What is betaine?
Betaine is an amino acid and key molecule that has been shown to be beneficial for cardiovascular health, supporting liver function and detoxification and is involved in cellular functioning within the body. Betaine is required for the gene BHMT (betaine homocysteine S-methyltransferase) which plays a crucial role in methylation due to its involvement in converting homocysteine to methionine - helping to regulate homocysteine levels and keep it within a healthy range.
Betaine and the methionine cycle
In the methionine cycle, homocysteine is remethylated to methionine through the methionine synthase enzyme (MTR) with vitamin B12 as a cofactor. Methionine is then converted to SAM, which donates a methyl group and is converted to S adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), which is then converted back to homocysteine. When MTR enzymatic activity is inhibited by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, BHMT uses betaine to re-methylate homocysteine to methionine.
How is betaine produced?
Betaine can be consumed via the diet or derived through the oxidation of choline to produce trimethylglycine (TMG) also known as betaine. Firstly, choline is made into betaine aldehyde via the CHDH (choline dehydrogenase) enzyme and is then converted into betaine by the BADH (betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase) enzyme.
● Variants on the CHDH gene can impact how well you produce betaine which in turn can influence your need for dietary or supplementary betaine.
How is betaine metabolised?
Betaine’s main role in the methionine cycle is to recycle homocysteine back into methionine. In this methylation reaction, betaine (or trimethylglycine (TMG)) donates a methyl-group to homocysteine. This reaction involves the enzyme BHMT.
● Variants of the BHMT gene can influence how much betaine your body uses and how much betaine you need to obtain via your diet or supplementation.
● The BHMT enzyme also needs zinc to work effectively, so it's important to get enough zinc in your diet to ensure healthy betaine metabolism.
Health benefits of betaine
Heart health: Betaine is involved in regulating homocysteine levels. As we’ve seen above, high homocysteine is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. High levels of homocysteine greater than 15 μmol/L are thought to be present in as many as 50 percent of those with cardiovascular disease and stroke. Therefore, betaine may be beneficial in reducing the risk for heart attacks, stroke, and other forms of heart disease.
Anti-inflammatory: Betaine is thought to have protective effects defending against oxidative stress and inhibiting inflammatory responses which may reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes and even some cancers.
Liver function and detoxification: Betaine assists the liver to break down and remove fats. It is also involved in the removal of toxins and chemicals, preventing damage that can result from toxin exposure.
Depression: Due to the role betaine plays in regulating homocysteine levels, supplementing with TGM may help improve symptoms such as anxiety and depression. Some research also shows that TGM may also support the functioning of some antidepressant medications.
Athletic performance: Betaine plays a key role in the production of SAM (S-adenosyl-methionine), which is also involved in the production of creatine and phosphocreatine which can support power and strength and athletic performance.
Signs of betaine deficiency
Low dietary intake can contribute to elevated homocysteine levels. Homocysteine levels also increase with age due to nutritional deficiencies that play a role in healthy methylation, genetic variants, high alcohol intake and more.
Although not directly linked to low betaine intake, low dietary intake can be a contributing factor to high homocysteine which is a risk for cardiovascular disease, mood disorders such as depression and more.
Betaine rich foods include:
● Beetroot
● Quinoa
● Brown rice
● Rye
● Bulgar wheat
How much betaine do I need?
Currently there is no daily recommended amount of betaine for adults. Recommended supplement doses vary depending on the conditions being addressed - this should be discussed with a Body Fabulous practitioner as they can assess the correct dosage based on your individual requirements and needs.
Supplemental betaine
Betaine is also known as trimethylglycine (TMG) and can be taken in supplement form.
- Buy Trimethylglycine (TMG) HERE
Further Testing at Body Fabulous
Methylation Test - This test can assess whether you have genetic variants on the BHMT and CHDH genes which can impact methylation.
Book a General Advice Call - Speak with our clinical team who can advise on the right testing or supplements based on your symptoms and needs.
