SYS ONLINE
Supplements/Compound

Trimethylglycine (Betaine)

Same as TMG; osmolyte and methyl donor.

Buy

Overview

Same as TMG; osmolyte and methyl donor.

Natural sources
  • Endogenously produced or biosynthesized molecule
  • Standardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplement
  • Combined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity
Common forms
  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Mechanism of action

Methylates homocysteine; osmoprotectant.

Pathways
  • · Methylates homocysteine
  • · osmoprotectant

Effects on the body

Supports
Treats homocystinuria

Organ system effects

Cardiovascular

Trimethylglycine (Betaine) supports endothelial function, lipid profile, or blood-pressure regulation in cardiovascular trials.

Liver

Trimethylglycine (Betaine) supports hepatocyte antioxidant defenses (glutathione, Nrf2) and phase-I/II detoxification.

Evidence-based benefits

Treats homocystinuria

Moderate evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · GI upset
Rare
    Serious

      Drug interactions

      Prescription medications (general)
      Always disclose Trimethylglycine (Betaine) use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.
      minor

      Supplement interactions

      Pairs well with
      • Omega-3
        Anti-inflammatory cardiovascular synergy.
      • CoQ10
        Supports mitochondrial energetics in cardiac tissue.
      • Milk thistle (silymarin)
        Complementary hepatoprotective antioxidant pathways.
      Avoid combining with

      No specific avoidances listed.

      Dosing & bioavailability

      Typical dose
      3–6 g
      Best form
      Most evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
      Timing
      Consistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
      With food?
      With a meal containing fat for fat-soluble compounds; otherwise either.

      Where to buy

      Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Amazon code supplementsch-20 is auto-applied at checkout. We don't endorse specific brands; verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

      Scientific evidence8Show studies
      Systematic reviewMol Genet Metab · 2006

      Betaine in homocystinuria

      Lawson-Yuen A, Levy HL

      Clinical review

      Key findings

      Effective for cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Trimethylglycine (Betaine) — Treats homocystinuria

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Trimethylglycine (Betaine) Treats homocystinuria" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Trimethylglycine (Betaine) and "Treats homocystinuria". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Trimethylglycine (Betaine) — randomized controlled trial

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Trimethylglycine (Betaine) randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Trimethylglycine (Betaine) and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Trimethylglycine (Betaine) — meta-analysis

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Trimethylglycine (Betaine) meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Trimethylglycine (Betaine) and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Trimethylglycine (Betaine) — pharmacokinetics

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Trimethylglycine (Betaine) pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Trimethylglycine (Betaine) and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Trimethylglycine (Betaine) — safety adverse events

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Trimethylglycine (Betaine) safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Trimethylglycine (Betaine) and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

      PubMed: Trimethylglycine (Betaine) — dose response

      Live PubMed search

      Live results for "Trimethylglycine (Betaine) dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

      Key findings

      Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Trimethylglycine (Betaine) and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

      Open study
      Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

      Google Scholar: Trimethylglycine (Betaine) — clinical evidence

      Live Scholar search

      Cross-database citation index for Trimethylglycine (Betaine) as it relates to "clinical evidence".

      Key findings

      Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

      Open study
      Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.

      Community discussion

      (0 threads)

      Share your experience or read what others have tried. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

      Sign in or create a free account to post or reply.
      Loading discussion…