Sometimes we get advice from doctors about certain nutrients that are needed for our body to function properly. They also recommend guides or diets to avoid health problems.
Thus, terms such as betaine begin to become recurrent. However, many times we understand only half of what we are told.
In Better with Health we will try to know and understand the function of betaine in our daily lives.
What is betaine?
Betaine is a compound that is produced in the body. It provides us with hydrochloric acid and is essential for the absorption of vitamin B12, calcium, and iron.
It is a nutrient that distributes methyls in the body so that each organ uses them and can face certain unbalanced risks.
Foods rich in betaine
- Beetroot: Beets are one of the greatest sources of betaine, and this is where the vegetable got its name.
- Fish
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Legumes
What is betaine for?
It may be difficult to understand the way you work, but it is easier to identify your usefulness with just a few points.
Regulate homocysteine
Betatein helps regulate and reduce homocysteine levels. Thus, it is responsible for preventing diseases caused by excess of it.
- While homocysteine is necessary, it should be regulated so as not to cause alterations.
- If too much the consequences could lead to heart attacks, poor Alzheimer’s, clots, or strokes.
Care for our liver health
This amino acid acts as a lipotropic agent when it gives away methyls to break down fats and release the liver.
This prevents the fatty liver. In some cases, it is used to treat this sick organ.
In addition to the functions already mentioned above, betaine also:
- It collaborates in digestion for its supply of hydrochloric acid, necessary in the stomach to undo proteins.
- Avoid the dehydration of the cells by maintaining the water balance in them. Collaborate in the transport of necessary liquids throughout the body.
- It is relevant in the creatine synthesis by which muscle development is amplified.
Benefits of betaine
Each of the functions we have explained betaine is directly associated with several health benefits for individuals. A person with an adequate percentage of this nutrient will have:
- Less risk of gastrointestinal pathologies. Your acidity level needed for correct digestion will be regulated.
- A decrease in fat that affects the liver. Fight the excesses around it to keep you free.
- Arteries and the cardiovascular system are healthier for the work of methyls. Blood can circulate without interruptions.
- Increased muscle endurance and strength. The higher the amount of nitric oxide, the increased levels of resistance and strength in physical activities are produced. According to research by the University of Connecticut (United States), betaine improves performance and muscle capabilities.
Many elite athletes use supplements with this nutrient, as this other study from the same university states. What happens after consuming it is that nitric oxide acts as a vasodilator agent, which improves oxygenation to muscles and the transport of nutrients such as amino acids.
which leads to better transport of nutrients, such as amino acids, and oxygenating muscle tissues.
Betaine, perhaps not widely known by most people, has a truly collaborative role with the rest of the components of our body.
As we have seen, its participation is necessary and relevant in the daily routine and in future prevention.
There are also supplements that can be purchased to supplement what is produced naturally and what is ingested through the foods that contain it.
Your dose varies depending on the case and each patient should follow the advice of their doctor to avoid side effects.
Side effects of betaine supplements
Some specialists prescribe betaine medications to treat different health problems.
As with all chemicals, there are side effects to be paid to, as suggested in this report by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. If they are manifested, a medical center should be used:
- Nausea
- Changes in body odor
- The feeling of loss of consciousness
- Weakness in the muscles
- Visual disorder
- Alterations of memory
- Difficulties motors
The Newcastle General Hospital (United Kingdom) says in this study that there have been cases of cerebral edema in patients treated with betaine. For this reason, it is advisable to cut the intake and do the relevant analyses.
Beathine levels of production decrease from the age of 50. Taking awareness and adding food with this nutrient is very positive to maintain organic balance.
The hospital can also be assisted in analyzing the chemical incorporation of betaine.
References:
All the sources cited were thoroughly reviewed by our team, to ensure their quality, reliability, validity, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific precision.
- Ueland, P. M. (2011, February). Choline and betaine in health and disease. Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10545-010-9088-4
- Frackman, B. S., Kobs, G., Simpson, D., Storts, D., & Corporation, P. (1998). Betaine and DMSO: Enhancing Agents for PCR. Promega Notes, 65(65), 9-12. Retrieved from http://taq.ch/pnotes/65/6921-27/6921-27ocore.pdf
- Craig, S. A. S. (2004, September). Betaine in human nutrition. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.