Betaine is a quaternary ammonium compound with three methyl groups and is found in many plants. It serves as an excipient in numerous biological processes. Medicine uses betaine to treat heart disease and certain lipid metabolism disorders, among others.
What is betaine?
Betaine is a quaternary ammonium compound with the molecular formula C5H11NO2. A quaternary ammonium compound is characterized by the fact that four organic substances bond to a central nitrogen atom, which chemistry characterizes as residues. This is the maximum number of bonds for the nitrogen atom. The residues can be occupied in different ways, giving the molecule its final properties. In the case of betaine, three of the sites are occupied by methyl groups. Methyl groups are the simplest carbon-based compounds; chemistry refers to such groups as organic compounds. The methyl groups of betaine serve as methyl donors: they donate the methyl groups to other molecules, for example, as part of the synthesis of certain amino acids. Since methyl groups are in themselves very inert, enzymes or other biochemical auxiliaries accelerate this reaction in the human body. Betaine is not identical to the substance group of betaines – but their structure is similar. Betaine is also known as glycylbetaine, glycinebetaine, N,N,N-trimethylglycine and N,N,N-trimethylammonioacetate. It is highly soluble in water and exists in its pure form in the solid state. Betaine does not melt until 301 °C.
Function, action, and tasks
Betaine plays a role in various biological processes in the human body. For example, because it has three methyl groups, it serves as a methyl donor. Such a substance donates one or more methyl groups to another molecule. This step occurs, for example, in the synthesis of various amino acids. Biology also refers to the process as transmethylation. In transmethylation, betaine gives up at least one of its methyl groups to another molecule. This molecule has a biological function in the organism; this is why biology also refers to natural substances or biomolecules. Since methyl groups are very inert, an enzyme must assist in the reaction: Methyltransferases catalyze the transfer of the methyl groups. Betaine not only acts as a methyl donor, but also as a methyl acceptor. It also receives methyl groups during its synthesis before passing them on later. In addition to betaine, choline, creatine, methionine, and others may also be considered as methyl donors. Betaine appears to be beneficial for more than just medicine; some studies show that supplemental intake of betaine leads to improved performance in athletes. It is possible that betaine has effects on fat metabolism. The exact mechanisms behind this are still largely unknown.
Formation, occurrence, properties, and optimal levels
Betaine owes its name to the Latin word “beta,” which means “turnip. “Not only is betaine found in greater quantities in these plants, scientists isolated it from sugar beets for the first time. However, betaine is also found in other plants. Through a balanced diet, people usually consume sufficient betaine in their usual diet. People with increased betaine requirements can take the substance as a dietary supplement. Studies show that the absorption of betaine from dietary supplements is just as good as from natural foods. In large quantities, however, betaine can be toxic. In animal studies, the LD50 for mice was 830 mg per kg body weight. The LD50 indicates the dose at which half of the animals died. According to Cholewa, Guimarães-Ferreira and Zanchi, doses of 500 – 9000 mg per day were used in medical treatments. Individuals with certain lipid metabolism disorders often have a noticeable concentration of betaine in their urine.
Diseases and disorders
Medical practitioners use betaine, among other things, to treat diseases of the liver – as well as heart attacks and some other cardiovascular diseases. Bacteria can also produce the substance. There is evidence that the tuberculosis pathogen uses betaine to infect human cells. In the form of betaine hydrochloride, betaine is also used in the treatment of hyperlipemia. In hyperlipemia, the amount of triglycerides in the blood is increased. Triglycerides are also called neutral fat or triacylglycerol.These compounds of glycerol and fatty acids can cause arteriosclerosis: The fats are deposited in the blood vessels and constrict the vessels. Complete occlusion is possible. The passing blood can dislodge the deposit and move it through the body. If it does not dissolve, there is a risk that the fatty deposit will become lodged at bottlenecks or in smaller arteries. The blood cannot pass through the occlusion. Cells behind it are thus unable to receive nutrients and respiratory gases, or at least not enough of them. Depending on where the deposit is located, arteriosclerosis can lead to heart attack, stroke or pulmonary embolism. Other complications are also possible; they are less serious and may not pose an immediate threat, but they are serious and can damage tissues and organs as well. The same clinical picture as in hyperlipemia is seen in hypertriglyceridemia. Betaine is also associated with other lipid metabolism disorders. People who make too little stomach acid can potentially take advantage of betaine-containing medications to supplement the missing acid. The regularity of intake and the exact dose may vary greatly in individual cases; therefore, the treating physician must carefully assess the optimal amount of betaine. Potential side effects include loss of appetite, hair loss, skin changes, cerebral edema, agitation, sleep disturbances, and psychological changes.
