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Trimethylglycine (TMG): Difference between revisions
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Trimethylglycine, commonly known as TMG or 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 donor in vital biochemical processes. | Trimethylglycine, commonly known as TMG or 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. | |||
= | == Sources in Nature == | ||
TMG is found in various organisms, both plants and animals. In plants, TMG serves as an osmolyte, helping cells retain water under stressful conditions such as high salinity. Some natural sources of TMG include: | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
|+Betaine in foods<ref name="usda-choline">{{Cite web|date=1 November 2019|title=USDA Database for the Choline Content of Common Foods, Release 2 (2008)|url=https://data.nal.usda.gov/dataset/usda-database-choline-content-common-foods-release-2-2008|access-date=2 February 2021|website=[[United States Department of Agriculture]]|archive-date=30 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730040040/https://data.nal.usda.gov/dataset/usda-database-choline-content-common-foods-release-2-2008|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
!Food | |||
!Betaine (mg/100 g) | |||
|- | |||
|[[wikipedia:Quinoa|Quinoa]] | |||
|630 | |||
|- | |||
|[[wikipedia:Cereal_germ#Wheat_germ|Wheat germ]] | |||
|410 | |||
|- | |||
|[[wikipedia:Lamb's_quarters|Lamb's quarters]] | |||
|330 | |||
|- | |||
|[[wikipedia:Wheat|Wheat]] [[wikipedia:Bran|bran]] | |||
|320 | |||
|- | |||
|Canned [[wikipedia:Beetroot|Beetroot]] | |||
|260 | |||
|- | |||
|Dark [[wikipedia:Rye_flour|Rye flour]] | |||
|150 | |||
|- | |||
|[[wikipedia:Spinach|Spinach]] | |||
|110-130 | |||
|} | |||
== Supplementation == | |||
TMG is also available as a dietary supplement. As a byproduct of sugar beet processing, commercial TMG supplements are usually derived from this source. Additionally, TMG can also be found in smaller amounts in certain multivitamins and specialized supplements aimed at supporting liver health or methylation processes in the body. | |||
=== Bioavailability and Metabolism === | |||
Once ingested, TMG is rapidly absorbed in the intestines. Inside the body, it primarily functions as a methyl donor, donating one of its methyl groups in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, an essential amino acid. This biochemical process, which occurs in the liver and kidneys, helps maintain normal levels of homocysteine, an amino acid that, when elevated, is linked to various health risks. | |||
=== Role in Cellular Osmoregulation === | |||
In addition to its role in methylation, TMG acts as an osmoprotectant. This means it helps regulate the balance of water inside and outside cells, particularly in conditions where cells might be at risk of dehydration or stress. In plants, this function is crucial for survival in high-salinity environments. | |||
=== Potential Benefits === | |||
TMG has been the focus of numerous studies due to its potential health benefits. When considering TMG supplementation, it's essential to be aware of its primary advantages: | |||
# 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. | |||
- **Endothelial Function**: Some studies suggest that TMG might improve endothelial function, thus potentially benefiting cardiovascular health. | |||
2. **Liver Function and Detoxification**: | |||
- **Fatty Liver Reduction**: TMG has been shown to help reduce liver fat accumulation, which can be beneficial in conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). | |||
- **Support in Detoxification**: As a methyl donor, TMG can support various liver detoxification processes, assisting the body in removing harmful substances. | |||
3. **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. | |||
- **Protection against Stressors**: TMG may offer protective effects against certain environmental stressors, potentially aiding in resilience against some forms of oxidative stress. | |||
4. **Support in Metabolic Processes**: | |||
- **Methyl Donation**: As a significant source of methyl groups, TMG can support various metabolic processes in the body that require methylation. This includes the synthesis of certain neurotransmitters, DNA methylation, and other essential reactions. | |||
- **Energy Production**: Some evidence suggests TMG might support energy production, aiding in exercise performance and overall vitality. | |||
5. **Mood and Well-being**: | |||
- **Neurotransmitter Synthesis**: Through its role in the methylation process, TMG can indirectly support the synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which play crucial roles in mood regulation. | |||
- **Potential Antidepressant Effects**: Preliminary studies have shown that TMG, in conjunction with other treatments, might exhibit antidepressant properties, although more research is required in this area. | |||
It's worth noting that while TMG has various potential benefits, individual responses can vary. As with all supplements, it's recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting TMG supplementation. | |||
== Misc == | |||
Although TMG supplementation decreases the amount of [[wikipedia:Adipose_tissue|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.<ref name="pmid12399266">{{cite journal|last1=Schwab|volume=76|doi-access=free|doi=10.1093/ajcn/76.5.961|pmid=12399266|date=November 2002|pages=961–967|issue=5|journal=Am. J. Clin. Nutr.|first1=U.|title=Betaine supplementation decreases plasma homocysteine concentrations but does not affect body weight, body composition, or resting energy expenditure in human subjects|display-authors=etal|first3=L.|last3=Toppinen|first2=A.|last2=Törrönen|title-link=doi}}</ref> | |||
= Studies = | |||
Protective effects of TMG in experimental animal models, cell culture systems, and clinical studies. | Protective effects of TMG in experimental animal models, cell culture systems, and clinical studies. | ||
{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
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== Taking TMG == | == Taking TMG == | ||
Nutritionally, betaine is not needed when sufficient dietary choline is present for synthesis.<ref name="ze">{{Cite book|title=Handbook of vitamins|url=https://archive.org/details/handbookvitamins00jzem|url-access=limited|vauthors=Rucker RB, Zempleni J, Suttie JW, McCormick DB|publisher=Taylor & Francis|year=2007|isbn=9780849340222|edition=4th|pages=[https://archive.org/details/handbookvitamins00jzem/page/n471 459]–477}}</ref> When insufficient betaine is available, elevated homocysteine levels and decreased SAM levels in blood occur. Supplementation of betaine in this situation would resolve these blood marker issues, but not compensate for other functions of choline.<ref name="eu">{{Cite journal|date=2016|title=Dietary reference values for choline|journal=EFSA Journal|volume=14|issue=8|doi=10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4484|doi-access=free}}</ref> | |||
=== Side effects === | === Side effects === | ||