Betaine (eng. Betaine, lat. Betainum) is an organic substance present in plants and organisms of animals and humans. It was discovered in 1866 by the German chemist Scheibler in sugar beet juice, and since “beet” sounds like “beta” in Latin, the substance found in it was named accordingly. Betaine is vital for a person, since it is involved in many biochemical processes that occur in his body.
Betaine: an amino acid
The vitamin-like substance betaine belongs to the class of amino acids and is a chemical derivative of the amino acid glycine. Betaine is a glycine molecule with three methyl groups attached to it, in the language of chemists it sounds like trimethylglycine.
In the human body, some amount of betaine is formed naturally by the oxidation of choline (vitamin B4).
Betaine: hydrochloride
In medicines and cosmetics, betaine is most often present as 97% betaine hydrochloride, which is referred to as Betaine HCL. This substance of synthetic origin is a white crystalline powder, tasteless and odorless. Recently, betaine hydrochloride has been increasingly used in animal husbandry as a nutritional supplement to livestock feed to improve meat quality.
Betaine: composition
From the point of view of chemists, betaine is a whole group of active compounds, which includes:
hercynin (histidine betaine),
hypophyrin (tryptophan betaine),
acidin (betaine hydrochloride),
stachidrine (proline betaine).
BetaineBetaine: in food
Betaine is found in many foods. The main sources of this substance include:
bran and wheat germ,
spinach,
beet,
sunflower seeds,
shrimps,
pasta,
some seasonings - paprika, curry, ginger, turmeric, oregano.
Betaine is also found in some medicinal herbs and berries, such as echinacea purpurea, burdock root, and goji berries.
Betaine: properties
The properties of betaine are quite impressive. This substance plays a significant role in ensuring the normal functioning of the body, namely:
reduces the level of homocysteine, a toxic breakdown product of amino acids, which provokes the development of osteoporosis and atherosclerosis;
normalizes activity digestive system;
activates lipid metabolism in the liver;
betaine speeds up metabolism;
promotes weight loss;
neutralizes toxic substances;
increases the production of bile and improves its outflow;
promotes the absorption of iron, calcium and vitamin B12.
Betaine: action
The pharmacological action of betaine allows it to be used as adjuvant therapy for the following disorders:
functional digestive disorders in case of non-compliance with the diet and abuse of unhealthy food, accompanied by discomfort and a feeling of heaviness in the epigastric region, flatulence, heartburn, etc. Often, such disorders are provoked by low acidity of gastric juice. In turn, due to insufficient acidity, the valve at the bottom of the stomach does not open and food, instead of entering the intestines, lingers in the stomach for a long time, causing dyspepsia, heartburn and other accompanying symptoms. Betaine helps to improve the functioning of the digestive system by increasing the acidity of gastric juice and improving the breakdown of proteins contained in food.
biliary dyskinesia - in this case, the action of betaine is aimed at stimulating the formation of bile and improving its outflow.
atheromatosis, fatty hepatosis - betaine normalizes lipid metabolism, stimulating the process of fat oxidation, and thereby reducing fatty infiltration of the liver.
There is evidence that betaine has a beneficial effect on weight loss and helps increase physical endurance during training, although this theory has not yet received scientific justification.
BetaineBetaine: for children
Betaine is considered a low hazard substance, so it is great for children. Preparations based on it can be prescribed even to young children (up to 3 years old), and betaine derivatives are approved for use as a component of hygiene products for infants.
Betaine: autism
Not so long ago it became known that betaine plays an important role in the treatment of autism in children. The essence of its action lies in the ability to influence the production of glutathione, the lack of which is one of the root causes of autism. Glutathione is a powerful weapon against toxins and oxidants that have a devastating effect on the brain and nervous system. However, in the body of autistic people, the level of this substance is significantly lower than in their healthy peers, while the amount of free radicals and toxins, on the contrary, is very high. Thus, increasing the production of glutathione is a paramount task for alleviating the condition of autistic children. Betaine and a number of other substances (including methionine, glycine and folic acid) allow you to adjust the production of your own glutathione.
Betaine: for vessels
The ability of betaine to influence vascular health has become known relatively recently, but many have probably heard that regular consumption of beets has a beneficial effect on the state of the cardiovascular system. Beet juice contains an incredible amount of nutrients, including potassium, manganese and copper, but it is betaine that makes this root vegetable a champion in cleaning and strengthening blood vessels.
Betaine: homocysteine
The main cause of vascular damage and the development of diseases such as atherosclerosis and thrombophlebitis is the amino acid homocysteine. Due to various disorders (for example, smoking, lack of vitamin B1 or vitamin B6), it can accumulate in the body and cause various vascular pathologies, including damage to the vascular wall. As a result, microscopic tears form on the inner layer of the vascular wall (endothelium), for the healing of which the body uses cholesterol, platelets and other fatty substances. This is how cholesterol plaques are formed, narrowing the lumen of the vessel and preventing normal blood flow. The consequence of this is a violation of tissue nutrition, which, in turn, leads to a stroke or heart attack. Betaine is able to neutralize homocysteine ​​by converting it into the useful amino acid methionine. In addition, betaine increases the strength of capillaries, relieves vasospasm and lowers blood pressure.
BetaineBetaine: in cosmetics
Betaine is often present in cosmetics as a component responsible for the texture of care products. It has mild conditioning properties, stabilizes the foam, improves the solubility of bioactive substances, and neutralizes the irritating effect of surfactants. Betaine is increasingly being used in in-salon treatments such as chemical peels. Wherein the concentration of betaine in cosmetics, as a rule, is not high and ranges from 0.2% to 5%, but even this amount is enough to significantly improve its quality properties.
Betaine: for skin
The inclusion of betaine in cosmetics, among other things, has great benefits for the skin. This substance acts in several directions at once:
softens, heals minor damage to the epidermis,
relieves irritation
gives the skin smoothness and elasticity,
improves complexion.
However, the most important advantage of betaine in this case is its ability to maintain electrolyte balance in the epidermis. By holding water molecules in the cells and preventing them from seeping through cell membranes, betaine protects the skin from overdrying and premature fading.
Betaine: for hair
Betaine is also good for hair. Recently, it is increasingly used as a component of shampoos, balms, masks, conditioners and other hair products. Betaine moisturizes and softens dry scalp, strengthens and smoothes keratin hair scales, giving them elasticity and shine, and prevents curls from drying out.
BetaineBetaine: in a pharmacy
Today, many dietary supplements can be purchased at the pharmacy. However, with regard to betaine, it is not so easy to find it in a regular pharmacy. It is much more convenient and economical to buy betaine in a trusted online store, for example, on the website [link]. Here is a huge range of drugs from world manufacturers at the best prices.
Betaine: capsules
Betaine preparations are traditionally available in tablets and capsules. The second option is more preferable, because. the protective shell of the capsule ensures the best preservation and absorption of the active ingredients. Among the variety of capsule preparations with betaine, the following can be distinguished:
one). "Betaine HCL" 648 mg (120 pcs) from the well-known manufacturer Now Foods. This natural dietary supplement combines betaine hydrochloride and the digestive enzyme pepsin for maximum absorption. In addition, each gelatin capsule contains silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate. All components of the drug are safe and comply with international GMP quality standards.
Suggested Use: Take 1 capsule immediately prior to each meal. food.
2). Doctor's Best Betaine HCl Pepsin & Gentian Bitters 360 Capsules. With a combination of active ingredients, this dietary supplement provides triple support for an efficient digestive process:
betaine hydrochloride helps support the digestive capacity of the stomach;
pepsin, in combination with gastric juice, promotes the digestion of proteins;
bitter gentian extract stimulates the production of digestive enzymes in the stomach and tones the digestive tract;
Suggested Use: Take 1 capsule with each meal, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.
Betaine: liquid
In addition to capsules and tablets, some manufacturers also produce liquid betaine.
3). One of these drugs is "Liquid Betaine" (473 ml) from Now Foods. This dietary supplement with a natural apple flavor provides the body with betaine, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the body and the functioning of cells during periods of stress and increased physical exertion (due to participation in the synthesis of epiniphrine, L-carnitine and creatine). The drug helps to increase endurance and muscle performance during intense training.
Suggested Use: Take 1 tablespoon daily. Shake well before use.
BetaineBetaine: instruction
Each supplement with betaine must be supplied with instructions that should be carefully studied. Depending on the concentration of the active substance in the preparation, the dosage of different manufacturers can vary significantly. It is important not to exceed the indicated values, because, even though betaine is of low toxicity, in some cases an overdose of it can cause adverse reactions in the form of nausea, indigestion, and allergies.
Betaine: how to take
In order for betaine to have the desired effect, you need to know how to take it correctly. The average daily dosage of the drug may vary depending on the physical condition and age of the patient. In most cases, it ranges from 500 to 800 mg per day for adults and children over 3 years old. For young children (up to 3 years old), the dosage is calculated according