Amino Acid & Peptide · Compound

Trimethylglycine (TMG / Betaine)

Provisional Strong Scoreamino_acid

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Published March 18, 2026Last updated March 18, 2026Methodology · Editorial policy · Report an error

Evidence review status: unreviewed

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

Provisional Summary

Trimethylglycine (TMG) is a methyl donor compound that supports methylation reactions throughout the body, particularly benefiting liver detoxification and cardiovascular health. It functions by donating methyl groups to convert homocysteine to methionine, reducing cardiovascular disease risk and supporting cellular energy metabolism.

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Screened PMID Records

Reported Benefits

Pending

Synergy Review

At a Glance

CategoryAmino Acid & Peptide

GroupCompound

Public Score StatusProvisional Strong

Primary Keywordtrimethylglycine benefits

Trimethylglycine close-up macro showing natural texture and detail — rich in methyl donor, homocysteine reducer, hepatoprotective

Trimethylglycine (TMG / Betaine) — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Supports liver function and detoxification processes by donating methyl groups, aiding in the breakdown of toxins. - Helps reduce homocysteine levels, promoting cardiovascular health and lowering heart disease risk by up to 20%. - Enhances cellular energy production by supporting mitochondrial function and ATP synthesis. - Promotes healthy methylation, crucial for DNA repair, gene expression, and overall cellular health. - May improve mood and cognitive function by supporting neurotransmitter synthesis. - Supports muscle strength and endurance by aiding in creatine production, enhancing athletic performance. - Contributes to healthy digestion by supporting bile production and fat metabolism. - Boosts immune health by facilitating optimal cell signaling and repair.

Origin & History

Natural habitat

Trimethylglycine (TMG), also known as betaine, is a naturally occurring compound found in beets, spinach, and whole grains. It is extracted through processes that isolate and purify the compound for dietary supplements.

“Betaine was first isolated from sugar beets in the 19th century and has been used traditionally for its health-promoting properties, particularly in liver and cardiovascular health.”Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Studies, including RCTs, have shown TMG's effectiveness in reducing homocysteine levels and enhancing athletic performance. Its role in liver health is supported by preliminary research.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- Contains no calories, fats, or carbohydrates. - Typically available in 500 mg to 2 g doses. - Rich in methyl groups, crucial for various biochemical reactions.

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

TMG functions as a methyl donor in the methylation cycle, providing methyl groups to betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) enzyme to convert homocysteine to methionine. This process supports hepatic methylation reactions essential for phosphatidylcholine synthesis and creatine production. TMG also activates osmolyte pathways that protect cells from osmotic stress and support mitochondrial membrane integrity.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

Multiple randomized controlled trials with 50-180 participants demonstrate TMG supplementation (1.5-6g daily) reduces plasma homocysteine levels by 10-20% within 6 weeks. A meta-analysis of cardiovascular studies shows homocysteine reduction correlates with up to 20% decreased heart disease risk. Smaller studies (n=20-40) indicate potential benefits for liver function markers and exercise performance, though evidence remains preliminary and requires larger trials.

Also Known As

N,N,N-trimethylglycineTMGBetaine anhydrousGlycine betaineLycineOxyneurineAldrich-B0300Methanaminium carboxylate

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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