Betaine

Betaine is a trimethylglycine and derivative of the nutrient choline. In other words, choline is a “precursor” to betaine and must be present for betaine to be synthesized in the body. It’s created by choline in combination with the amino acid glycine. 1. Supports Heart Health Betaine is best known for helping reduce plasma homocysteine levels, which is directly related to lowering the risk for heart disease. 2. Has Anti-Inflammatory Effects New research indicates that betaine has anti-inflammatory functions, offering protection against numerous diseases — including obesity, diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. 3. Helps with Liver Function and Detoxification Another positive effect of betaine seems to be supporting liver health by assisting in detoxification and the process of the liver digesting fats (lipids). Fat can accumulate to dangerous levels in the liver from certain conditions — such as alcohol abuse, obesity, diabetes and other causes — but betaine is able to assist in liver-cleansing functions of breaking down and removing fats. 4. Can Aid in Digestion Betaine is sometimes used to create betaine hydrochloride (HCl) supplements. Betaine HCI is thought to increase the concentration of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which is the acid that must be present in order to break down foods and use nutrients.