An ingredient called Trimethylglycine can be found in pre-workout supplements. It is used mainly as a stimulant, but when you dig deeper you find that it also has many more health benefits…
Reported Effects:
1) Increase mood and energy
2) Help protect liver
3) Fight the aging process
4) Helps to burn fat
What is Trimethylglycine and how does it affect the body?
Trimethylglycine is an organic compound found in a variety of animal and plant sources. It is the first betaine discovered and has a scientific name of glycine betaine.
It is a methyl donor that promotes the creation of brain chemicals that improve mood and energy.It basically transfers a methyl group to another substance. There are theories that this methylation prevents the manifestation of harmful cancer genes, and the lack thereof contributes to aging.
Trimethylglycine has a multitude of positive effects to the body. It is said to prevent high levels of homocysteine, which can lead to an increased risk of heart ailment and even strokes. It decreases the amount of fat tissue, which may also contribute to heart problems.
Liver related diseases are also treated or prevented. Liver triglyceride levels are decreased, and liver lipidosis is reduced. In some cases, it may also be used as treatment for a disorder called homocystinuria, which prevents the body from processing certain proteins properly.
Forms of homocystinuria vary, and may include myopia, blood clotting, osteoporosis, seizure, and even intellectual disability.
Other positive effects include dry mouth improvement, contribution to fat degeneration, cholesterol reduction, and beta-lipoprotein reduction. There are also claims that this will help reduce the incidence of seizures or seizure-related deaths. Finally, it has also antimicrobial properties.
What clinical studies support the use of Trimethylglycine?
Clinical studies from the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) confirmed that Trimethylglycine reduces the homocysteine levels in the body. When these levels are elevated, there is an increased risk for heart diseases and stroke. While the levels may increase with a deficiency in certain nutrients such as B vitamins, a good dosage of Trimethylglycine supplements coupled with other essential vitamins and nutrients may be able to counteract it.
The UMMC also claims that this nutrient may provide protection to the liver, and can prevent fatty liver deposits developed through alcohol intake, obesity, diabetes or insufficient protein. Most of the studies have been made on mice, and the UMMC cautions that there is still a lot of research to be done to produce concrete and reliable results.
The US National Institutes of Health (through the MedlinePlus webpage) also noted that a good number of doctors recommend this supplement for homocystinuria treatment. This disease is hereditary and is already present at birth, and often causes children to have a slower physical development and growth rate. There is also an increased risk of getting cardiovascular diseases, and may display different symptoms of illnesses.
What is the recommended dosage, and is this FDA approved?
The usual recommended amount for supplements which have betaine is 1,000 to 2,000 mg, to be taken three times a day. This is for people who are suffering from alcohol related fatty liver. For nutritional support, a lower dosage may be used. Certain products using this ingredient have been FDA approved. The FDA also approved the use of Cystadane (anhydrous trmethylglycine) for homocystinuria.
What are the dangers of using Trimethylglycine?
An excessively high dosage of this product, usually over 750 mg, may cause an increase in the body temperature, nausea, and insomnia. Other users have also reported being in a state of restlessness, and the presence of muscle tension and headaches.
Children in particular easily overdose on this nutrient. As with any drug or supplement, it is best to always consult a physician and get a recommendation on the proper usage or dosage to avoid harmful side effects.
Alternative names for this ingredient:
1) N,N,N-trimethylglycine
2) Glycine betaine
3) Betaine
4) TMG
5) Betaine anhydrous
Conclusion
Trimethylglycine is a natural by-product and seems to have a lot of positive effects to the human body. Discretion is still needed in attempting to use this as a cure or supplement in order to avoid harmful effects. While several studies support positive results, there is still a lot of research and study that needs to be done. Doctor recommendation should be considered.
Due to the health benefits and moderately safe rating, trimethylglycine looks to be a very beneficial active ingredient. As stated before, supplements like to use this ingredient as a relatively safe, yet potent stimulant. Another recommended active ingredient is creatine hydrocholride (HCL). It will be interesting what is discovered as more research takes place on trimethglycine.