Betaine – properties and effects

Betaine is a derivative of the smallest known amino acid, glycine. It owes its name to beetroot, or more precisely to its Latin name, Beta vulgaris. It was first isolated from beetroot during the extraction of sugar from this vegetable.

It is also abundant in spinach, whole grain products, seafood and goji berries. Betaine has a number of specific properties that can contribute to the optimisation of metabolic processes and the inhibition of inflammation and cancerous changes.

1. Properties of betaine – how does betaine work?
2. The therapeutic effects of betaine – how can betaine help?
3. Betaine and weight loss – myths or facts?

Properties of betaine – how does betaine work?

Betaine is supplied through diet and is also produced in the body from choline, a phospholipid that forms cell membranes. After ingestion, it is quickly absorbed and distributed throughout the body. The action of betaine is mainly due to its three physiological functions. The first is its participation in the synthesis of glutathione, a very powerful antioxidant produced in the body.

In addition, it is an important regulator of methylation, i.e. the process of activating various biologically active molecules in the body, including those related to gene expression. What is more, betaine is an osmotically active compound, which means that it participates in the regulation of cell integrity by controlling the physicochemical properties of biological fluids.

The therapeutic effects of betaine – how can betaine help?

The properties of betaine are so important for human metabolism that it is even considered a therapeutic agent in certain diseases. In its anhydrous form, it has been approved as a therapeutic agent in disorders involving the processing of homocysteine, a sulphur amino acid with numerous functions in the body.

These disorders are caused, among other things, by problems (including genetic ones) related to the absorption of folic acid and vitamin B12. Homocysteine metabolism dysfunctions are associated, among other things, with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Excessive levels of this compound in the body cause side effects such as general weakness, pale skin, tingling in the limbs, mood swings and cognitive impairment.

Betaine and weight loss – myths or facts?

Numerous experiments on animal models have shown that betaine can contribute to the stabilisation of glucose-insulin and lipid metabolism. This effect indirectly improves the weight loss process. These observations have been confirmed in human studies.

This was proven by a 2019 meta-analysis, which found that betaine reduces body fat. This makes it useful for weight loss in both healthy individuals and those struggling with obesity. The mechanisms postulated by scientists to lead to this effect include inhibition of lipogenesis (the production of fat cells) and stimulation of lipolysis (the breakdown of fat available in the body), converting white adipose tissue into brown adipose tissue (inactive into active, which is more easily used for energy purposes), facilitating the transport of fatty acids to the mitochondria (with the help of carnitine), and even by supporting muscle protein synthesis.