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Compound

Trimethylglycine (Betaine)

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Trimethylglycine (Betaine). Same as TMG; osmolyte and methyl donor.

How it works. Methylates homocysteine; osmoprotectant.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Treats homocystinuria (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 3–6 g.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. No serious side effects listed at normal doses.

Stacking. Pairs well with Omega-3, CoQ10, Milk thistle (silymarin).

Common forms. Available as Capsule or softgel, Powder, Sublingual or buccal, Liposomal liquid.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Trimethylglycine (Betaine). Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Trimethylglycine (Betaine). Same as TMG; osmolyte and methyl donor.

Molecular structureC5H11NO2 · 117.15 g/mol

What it is

Same as TMG; osmolyte and methyl donor.

Food sources

Endogenously produced or biosynthesized moleculeStandardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplementCombined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity

Goals

Cardiovascular HealthLiver Health

How it works

Methylates homocysteine; osmoprotectant.

Pathways

  • Methylates homocysteine
  • osmoprotectant

Effects

  • +Treats homocystinuria supports

What the research supports

Treats homocystinuriamoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
3–6 g
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodWith a meal containing fat for fat-soluble compounds; otherwise either.
Best formMost evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • GI upset

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

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

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Omega-3Anti-inflammatory cardiovascular synergy.
  • CoQ10Supports mitochondrial energetics in cardiac tissue.
  • Milk thistle (silymarin)Complementary hepatoprotective antioxidant pathways.

Common forms

  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Trimethylglycine (Betaine) — Treats homocystinuria ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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

PubMed: Trimethylglycine (Betaine) — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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

PubMed: Trimethylglycine (Betaine) — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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

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