TRIMETHYLGLYCINE (aka TMG or BETAINE)
Trimethylglycine is an active metabolite of choline and a component of beetroot [1]. One of the main mechanisms of betaine is that it acts as a powerful methylator alongside folate, B6 and B12. Some studies have shown that TMG supplementation will support the reduction of homocysteine levels into methionine. Did you know that heart disease is the No. 1 killer in the U.S., killing more people than cancer, infectious diseases, and homicides combined [2]. According to a study in the European Journal of Clinical Investigation, 40% of stroke victims have elevated homocysteine compared to only 6% of controls. TMG may also increase the bodily levels of SAMe or active folate molecules and then those two can go on to donate to methyl groups in other parts of the body. Interestingly enough, there are scientists investigating whether TMG can protect cells from stress [3]. The takeaway, TMG supports whole body methylation and supports heart health.
Plus there’s more……..TMG when used in mineral balancing (because we are all about HTMA – Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) will support detoxification in the body of heavy metals, especially mercury and copper. You can get TMG from foods, mostly grains, leafy greens (spinach), and beets; but it is also particularly abundant in Goji berries (plus did you know that these are the only berries that help to support HgH levels) which have been used for centuries in Chinese culture with multiple reported benefits.
LET’S TALK EXERCISE
Yep, you guessed it, TMG is great for exercise support too. It has been linked to increased power output, and looks to benefit endurance volume. Why? Well, it has been toted for increasing Nitric Oxide production which widens the blood vessels and ultimately saturates the muscles with blood during short-term exercise. Most support has been tested between 0.5-6g/day, however, recommendations are made that 1.25g twice per day for exercise support is optimal, although studies are lacking.
[1] https://examine.com/supplements/trimethylglycine
[2] https://www.lifeextension.com/magazine/1997/7/cover
[3] https://selfhacked.com/blog/tmg-health-benefits/