Trimethylglycine (TMG)
Trimethylglycine is an amino acid derivative that occurs in plants. Trimethylglycine was the first betaine discovered; originally it was simply called betaine because, in the 19th century, it was discovered in sugar beets (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris).
Although trimethylglycine supplementation decreases the amount of adipose tissue in pigs, research on human subjects has shown no effect on body weight, body composition, or resting energy expenditure when used in conjunction with a low calorie diet.[1]
Side effects
Trimethylglycine supplementation may cause diarrhea, bloating, cramps, dyspepsia, nausea or vomiting.[2] Although rare, it can also causes excessive increases in serum methionine concentrations in the brain, which may lead to cerebral edema, a life-threatening condition.[2]
Trimethylglycine supplementation lowers homocysteine but also raises LDL-cholesterol in obese individuals and renal patients.[3]
- ↑ Schwab et al.; "Betaine supplementation decreases plasma homocysteine concentrations but does not affect body weight, body composition, or resting energy expenditure in human subjects" , https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/76.5.961
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Betaine" , LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury , National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases , http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548774/
- ↑ Olthof MR, van Vliet T, Verhoef P, Zock PL, Katan MB; "Effect of homocysteine-lowering nutrients on blood lipids: results from four randomised, placebo-controlled studies in healthy humans" , https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0020135