TMG (Trimethylglycine / Betaine)

Mechanism of action

Donates a methyl group to homocysteine, regenerating methionine. The methionine then converts to SAMe, the universal methyl donor. TMG provides an alternative methylation pathway when folate-B12 methylation is impaired (MTHFR variants, low B12). Also functions as an osmolyte, protecting cells from osmotic stress.

History

Betaine was discovered in sugar beets (Latin 'beta') in the 1860s. Its role in methylation was characterised in the mid-20th century. Modern supplement interest emerged in the 1990s with the discovery that TMG could lower homocysteine in users where folate-B12 supplementation was inadequate. Athletic performance applications emerged in the 2000s with Hoffman 2009 demonstrating power output improvement. Unscheduled globally.

Benefits

• Homocysteine reduction

  EVIDENCEA

  Multiple RCTs.

• Athletic performance (power output)

  EVIDENCEB

  Hoffman 2009.

• Liver function support

  EVIDENCEB

  Mukherjee 2008.

Side effects

• Fishy body odor (high dose)uncommonmild
• GI upsetuncommonmild

Cited research

• Betaine supplementation and athletic performance (Hoffman)2009
  PMID 20188277 ↗
• Betaine for homocysteine lowering: meta-analysis (Olthof)2005
  PMID 16320354 ↗
• Betaine in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (Mukherjee)2008
  PMID 18558995 ↗

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