Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Betaine anhydrous (trimethylglycine) functions as a methyl donor and osmolyte, supporting cellular hydration and energy metabolism. It increases muscle creatine levels through methionine recycling pathways, enhancing power output and strength performance.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Betaine Anhydrous, also known as trimethylglycine (TMG), is derived from sugar beets and other plant sources.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Studies suggest Betaine Anhydrous can enhance muscle endurance and strength, with some evidence from RCTs supporting its efficacy.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Betaine Anhydrous (TMG) is a trimethyl derivative of the amino acid glycine (chemical formula: C5H11NO2, MW: 117.15 g/mol). It is not a macronutrient source — zero protein, fat, or carbohydrate contribution at typical supplemental doses. Key bioactive compound: trimethylglycine at 100% concentration in anhydrous form (no water of crystallization). Typical supplemental doses range from 1,500–6,000 mg/day, with 2,500 mg/day being the most studied ergogenic dose. Contains three methyl groups per molecule, making it a potent methyl donor in one-carbon metabolism. Acts as an osmolyte, stabilizing intracellular water balance at physiological concentrations of approximately 1–5 mM in human tissues. Naturally found in beets (~150–300 mg/100g fresh weight), spinach (~600–645 mg/100g), quinoa (~390 mg/100g), and wheat germ (~1,240 mg/100g). No significant vitamin or mineral content in isolated supplement form. Bioavailability: highly bioavailable orally, with peak plasma concentrations reached within 60–90 minutes post-ingestion; absorption occurs primarily in the small intestine via sodium-dependent transport mechanisms. Plasma betaine levels increase dose-dependently, with chronic supplementation (2,500 mg/day for 14 days) elevating plasma levels from a baseline of approximately 40–50 µmol/L to 200–300 µmol/L.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Betaine anhydrous donates methyl groups to homocysteine via betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT), regenerating methionine for creatine synthesis. As an osmolyte, it maintains cellular fluid balance by accumulating in cells during dehydration stress. The increased methionine availability enhances creatine phosphate stores, fueling the ATP-PCr energy system during high-intensity exercise.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Multiple randomized controlled trials with 12-23 participants show 2.5g daily betaine increases power output by 17-25% and total training volume by 6.5% over 1-2 weeks. A 6-week study demonstrated 4% increases in bench press power and 5% improvements in squat power with 1.25g twice daily. However, some studies show minimal effects on body composition, and research is limited by small sample sizes and short durations.
Also Known As
Research updates — and 25% off your first order
Join our list for source-aware wellness education, review-state updates, and product news — and unlock 25% off your first Hermetica order. Educational content is not medical advice. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.