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Betaine

Betaine plays a critical role in the health of the cardiovascular system. Betaine reduces potentially toxic levels of homocysteine (Hcy), an amino acid found normally in the body. Hcy's metabolism is linked to that of several vitamins, especially folic acid, B₆, and B₁₂, and deficiencies of those vitamins may cause elevated Hcy levels. In recent years, studies have suggested that a high level of Hcy increases a person's chance of developing heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease (reduced blood flow to the hands and feet).

Americans typically do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, which may limit their dietary intake of betaine and the B vitamins, thereby creating a potential need for supplementation.

Uses

Betaine offers a variety of potential therapeutic uses, primarily in the prevention of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Your health care provider may also recommend taking betaine if you have other health conditions, including:

Dietary Sources

Betaine is found in a wide variety of plants and animals. In particular, broccoli, spinach, and beets are rich sources of this nutrient.

Other Forms

Betaine supplements are a byproduct of sugar beet processing. They are available in the following forms.

How to Take It

Recommended doses of betaine vary depending on the health condition being treated. The following list provides guidelines for the most common uses.

Most experts recommend that patients who have homocystinuria or premature vascular disease be kept on a regimen of folic acid, vitamin B₆, vitamin B₁₂, and betaine indefinitely.

Precautions

No side effects have been reported at normal doses.

Possible Interactions

No harmful drug interactions have been reported.

Supporting Research

Barak AJ, et al. S-adenosylmethionine generation and prevention of alcoholic fatty liver by betaine. Alcohol. Nov-Dec 1994; 11(6): 501-503.

Barak AJ, et al. Betaine, ethanol, and the liver: a review. Alcohol. Jul-Aug 1996; 13(4): 395-398.

Berkow R, et al, eds. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy. 15 ^th ed. Rahway: Merck Sharp & Dohme Research Laboratories; 1987: 556.

Boushey CJ, et al. A quantitative assessment of plasma homocysteine as a risk factor for vascular disease. Probable benefits of increasing folic acid intakes. JAMA. Oct 4, 1995; 274(13): 1049-1057.

Budavari S, O'Neil MJ, Heckelman PE, Kinneary JF, eds. The Merck Index. 12^th ed. Whitehouse Station: Merck & Co., Inc.; 1996: 198.

Dudman NPB, et al. Disorderd Methionine/Homocysteine Metabolism in Premature Vascular Disease. Arterioscl and Thromb. 1993; 13(9): 1253-1260.

Franken DG, et al. Treatment of mild hyperhomocysteinemia in vascular disease patients. Arterioscler and Thromb. March 1994;14 (3): 465-470.

Holme E, et al. Betaine for treatment of homocystinuria caused by methylenetetrahydrofolate reducatase deficiency. Arch Dis Child. 1989; 64: 1061-1064.

Kishi T, et al. Effect of betaine on S-adenosylmethionine levels in the cerebrospinal fluid in a patient with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency and peripheral neuropathy. J Inherit Metab Dis. 1994; 17(5): 560-565.

Shils M, Olson J, Shike M, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease Vol 1. 8^th ed. Media: Williams & Wilkins; 1994: 452.

Shils M, Olson J, Shike M, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 7^th ed. Media: Williams & Wilkins; 1988: 1363-1365.

Stampfer MJ, Malinow MR. Can lowering homocysteine levels reduce cardiovascular disease N Engl J Med. Feb. 2, 1995; 332: 328-329.

Steinmetz CA, et al. Vegetables, fruit, and cancer prevention: A review. Am Diet Assoc. 1996: 1027-1039.

The Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Phase 1, 1989-91. The National Center for Health Statistics. Accessed at: www.cdc.gov/nchs/faq/hanesii1.htm. on November 3, 1999.

Wilcken DE, et al. Homocystinuria due to cystathione beta-synthase deficiency--the effects of betaine treatment in pyridoxine-responsive patients. Metab. Dec 1985; 34(12): 1115-1121.