Betaine plays a critical role in the health of the cardiovascular system. Betaine reduces potentially toxic levels of homocysteine (Hcy), an amino acid found normally in the body. Homocysteine metabolism is linked to that of several vitamins, especially folic acid, B₆, and B₁₂, and deficiencies of those vitamins may cause elevated Hcy levels. In recent years, studies have suggested that a high level of Hcy increases a person's chance of developing heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease (reduced blood flow to the hands and feet).

Americans typically do not eat enough fruits and vegetables, which may limit their dietary intake of betaine and the B vitamins, thereby creating a potential need for supplementation.

Betaine offers a variety of potential therapeutic uses, primarily in the prevention of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Your health care provider may also recommend taking betaine if you have other health conditions, including:

• Liver disease. Animal studies have shown that betaine may be a promising treatment for liver disease.
• Homocystinuria. This is an inherited condition that makes people unable to metabolize Hcy, causing mental retardation, lack of growth, and other health problems. Betaine treatment has been shown to correct metabolic abnormalities responsible for this disease.

Betaine is found in a wide variety of plants and animals. In particular, broccoli, spinach, and beets are rich sources of this nutrient.

Betaine supplements are a byproduct of sugar beet processing. They are available in the following forms:

• Powder
• Tablets (500, 750, 1,000 mg)
• Capsules (500, 750, 1,000 mg)

Recommended doses of betaine vary depending on the health condition being treated. The following list provides guidelines for the most common uses:

• General cardiovascular health: 500 to 1,000 mg per day
• Inherited homocystinuria: 6 g per day
• Premature vascular disease: 6 g per day

Most experts recommend that patients who have homocystinuria or premature vascular disease be kept on a regimen of folic acid, vitamin B₆, vitamin B₁₂, and betaine indefinitely.

No side effects have been reported at normal doses.

No noteworthy interactions (positive or negative) between betaine and conventional medications are known to have been reported in the literature to date.

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