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Trimethylglycine (TMG): Difference between revisions
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Trimethylglycine, commonly known as | [[File:Betain2.svg|right|frameless]] | ||
'''Trimethylglycine (TMG)''', commonly known as '''betaine''', is an amino acid derivative that naturally occurs in various plant and animal sources. With its three methyl groups attached to a glycine molecule, TMG has garnered attention in both the dietary supplement market and the scientific community due to its role as a [[Methyl Donors|methyl donor]] in vital biochemical processes. | |||
The story of TMG traces back to the early 20th century when it was first isolated from sugar beets, hence the name "betaine" after the Latin name for beet, ''Beta vulgaris''. Over the years, researchers have identified its presence in numerous foods and its key functions within human metabolism. As the exploration of its potential benefits continued, TMG started to gain traction, especially in discussions related to heart health, liver function, and, more recently, longevity. | The story of TMG traces back to the early 20th century when it was first isolated from sugar beets, hence the name "betaine" after the Latin name for beet, ''Beta vulgaris''. Over the years, researchers have identified its presence in numerous foods and its key functions within human metabolism. As the exploration of its potential benefits continued, TMG started to gain traction, especially in discussions related to heart health, liver function, and, more recently, longevity. | ||
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=== Heart Health and Homocysteine Levels === | === Heart Health and Homocysteine Levels === | ||
* '''Homocysteine Reduction''': TMG acts as a methyl donor in the conversion of homocysteine, a non-proteinogenic α-amino acid, back to methionine. Elevated homocysteine levels are a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. By helping to lower these levels, TMG can potentially contribute to reduced risks of heart diseases. The US [[wikipedia:Food_and_Drug_Administration|Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) approved betaine trimethylglycine (also known by the brand name Cystadane) for the treatment of [[wikipedia:Homocystinuria|homocystinuria]], a disease caused by abnormally high [[wikipedia:Homocysteine|homocysteine]] levels at birth. | * '''Homocysteine Reduction''': TMG acts as a methyl donor in the conversion of homocysteine, a non-proteinogenic α-amino acid, back to methionine. Elevated homocysteine levels are a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. By helping to lower these levels, TMG can potentially contribute to reduced risks of heart diseases. The US [[wikipedia:Food_and_Drug_Administration|Food and Drug Administration]] (FDA) approved betaine trimethylglycine (also known by the brand name Cystadane) for the treatment of [[wikipedia:Homocystinuria|homocystinuria]], a disease caused by abnormally high [[wikipedia:Homocysteine|homocysteine]] levels at birth. {{#pmid:15550695|pmid15550695}} | ||
* '''Endothelial Function''': Some studies suggest that TMG might improve endothelial function, thus potentially benefiting cardiovascular health. | * '''Endothelial Function''': Some studies suggest that TMG might improve endothelial function, thus potentially benefiting cardiovascular health. | ||
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=== Stress Resistance and Cellular Hydration === | === Stress Resistance and Cellular Hydration === | ||
* '''Osmoprotection''': TMG functions as an osmolyte, meaning it helps regulate cellular hydration. This can be particularly beneficial in conditions of cellular stress, helping cells maintain their volume and function. | * '''Osmoprotection''': TMG functions as an osmolyte, meaning it helps regulate cellular hydration. This can be particularly beneficial in conditions of cellular stress, helping cells maintain their volume and function. | ||
* '''Protection against Stressors''': TMG may offer protective effects against certain environmental stressors, potentially aiding in resilience against some forms of oxidative stress. | * '''Protection against Stressors''': TMG may offer protective effects against certain environmental stressors, potentially aiding in resilience against some forms of [[Oxidative Stress|oxidative stress]]. | ||
=== Support in Metabolic Processes === | === Support in Metabolic Processes === | ||
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TMG, while considered safe when taken in recommended dosages, does come with potential risks and side effects that users should be aware of. | TMG, while considered safe when taken in recommended dosages, does come with potential risks and side effects that users should be aware of. | ||
===Recommended Dosages and Overdose Implications === | ===Recommended Dosages and Overdose Implications === | ||
*The typical recommended dosage for TMG supplementation is between '''500 mg and 3,000 mg''' per day, divided into two or three doses. It is generally advisable to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it while monitoring for any adverse reactions or side effects. | *The typical recommended dosage for TMG supplementation is between '''500 mg and 3,000 mg''' per day, divided into two or three doses. It can vary depending on individual health status, goals, and existing medical conditions. It is generally advisable to start with a lower dose and gradually increase it while monitoring for any adverse reactions or side effects. | ||
*Consuming TMG in excessive amounts might lead to gastrointestinal distress and may disturb the body’s metabolism of methionine and choline. | *Consuming TMG in excessive amounts might lead to gastrointestinal distress and may disturb the body’s metabolism of methionine and choline. | ||
Regularly monitoring health parameters such as homocysteine levels, liver function tests, and lipid profiles can help in assessing the effectiveness and safety of TMG supplementation over time. | Regularly monitoring health parameters such as homocysteine levels, liver function tests, and lipid profiles can help in assessing the effectiveness and safety of TMG supplementation over time. | ||
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TMG supplementation may cause [[wikipedia:Diarrhea|diarrhea]], bloating, cramps, dyspepsia, [[wikipedia:Nausea|nausea]] or vomiting.<ref name=":02">{{Citation|title=Betaine|date=2012|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548774/|work=LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury|access-date=2023-07-14|place=Bethesda (MD)|publisher=National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases|pmid=31644082}}</ref> Although rare, it can also causes excessive increases in serum methionine concentrations in the brain, which may lead to [[wikipedia:Cerebral_edema|cerebral edema]], a life-threatening condition.<ref name=":02" /> | TMG supplementation may cause [[wikipedia:Diarrhea|diarrhea]], bloating, cramps, dyspepsia, [[wikipedia:Nausea|nausea]] or vomiting.<ref name=":02">{{Citation|title=Betaine|date=2012|url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548774/|work=LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury|access-date=2023-07-14|place=Bethesda (MD)|publisher=National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases|pmid=31644082}}</ref> Although rare, it can also causes excessive increases in serum methionine concentrations in the brain, which may lead to [[wikipedia:Cerebral_edema|cerebral edema]], a life-threatening condition.<ref name=":02" /> | ||
TMG supplementation lowers homocysteine but also raises [[wikipedia:LDL-cholesterol|LDL-cholesterol]] in obese individuals and renal patients. | TMG supplementation lowers homocysteine but also raises [[wikipedia:LDL-cholesterol|LDL-cholesterol]] in obese individuals and renal patients.{{#pmid:15916468|pmid15916468}} | ||
===Drug and Supplement Interactions=== | ===Drug and Supplement Interactions=== | ||
*'''Anticholinergic Drugs''': TMG might interact with anticholinergic medications, which reduce the effects of acetylcholine, as TMG increases levels of choline, a precursor to acetylcholine. | *'''Anticholinergic Drugs''': TMG might interact with anticholinergic medications, which reduce the effects of acetylcholine, as TMG increases levels of choline, a precursor to acetylcholine. | ||
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*'''Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women''': There is limited research on the safety of TMG supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding; thus, consultation with a healthcare professional is advised. | *'''Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women''': There is limited research on the safety of TMG supplementation during pregnancy and breastfeeding; thus, consultation with a healthcare professional is advised. | ||
*'''Pre-existing Health Conditions''': Individuals with pre-existing health conditions, particularly those affecting the liver, should consult a healthcare professional before beginning TMG supplementation. | *'''Pre-existing Health Conditions''': Individuals with pre-existing health conditions, particularly those affecting the liver, should consult a healthcare professional before beginning TMG supplementation. | ||
==See also== | |||
== See also == | |||
* | *{{SeeWikipedia|Trimethylglycine|}} | ||
==References == | ==References== | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
[[Category:Orally Consumable Longevity | [[Category:Orally Consumable Longevity Compounds]] | ||
[[Category:Antioxidant Compounds]] | |||