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Betaine (TMG)

Betain-TMG Vorkommen in Rote Rübe

Betaine - also known as trimethylglycine (TMG) - is a natural nutrient that plays a central role in various metabolic processes.

Betaine is particularly known for its function in methyl metabolism, a fundamental biochemical process that affects almost every cell in the body.

Its functions include supporting cellular energy, regeneration, liver health, and maintaining a balanced homocysteine ​​level.

Below you will learn what betaine/TMG is, how it works, which health benefits have been scientifically studied, and why this nutrient is receiving a lot of attention in longevity research.

What is betaine (TMG)?

Betaine is a naturally occurring derivative of the amino acid glycine and is found in various foods such as beetroot, spinach, quinoa, and whole grains. It is called trimethylglycine because it contains three methyl groups – small functional groups required in numerous metabolic pathways.

TMG is an essential component of the methylation process , a biochemical reaction that occurs billions of times daily in the body. It is vital for DNA stability, detoxification, energy production, neurotransmitter synthesis, and many other functions.

Therefore, an adequate supply of betaine is important to reliably maintain basic molecular processes.

How betaine (TMG) works in the body

Support of the methylation cycle

Betaine donates methyl groups to the homocysteine ​​molecule. This creates methionine – an amino acid required for protein synthesis, repair processes, and the formation of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe).
An efficient methylation cycle is crucial for:

- DNA stability & repair

- Neurotransmitter production (e.g., serotonin, dopamine)

- Fat metabolism & liver function

- Detoxification reactions

- Energy production in the cell nucleus and mitochondria

TMG is considered one of the most reliable sources of methyl groups.

Regulation of homocysteine ​​levels

Elevated homocysteine ​​levels are frequently associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and reduced cell function.

Betaine supports the conversion of homocysteine ​​to methionine , which can stabilize and lower homocysteine ​​levels in the blood.

Osmoprotection – protection of cells from stress

Betaine acts as a so-called osmolyte: It helps cells to stabilize fluid and structure, especially under stressful conditions such as heat, training or metabolic stress.

Supporting liver function

Betaine is involved in fat processing in the liver and supports the natural detoxification process by promoting methionine SAMe production.

Betaine/TMG and NAD+

NAD+ is a key molecule and essential coenzyme found in all living cells and is central to energy production, cell protection, DNA repair and a healthy aging process.

As people age, NAD+ levels in the body decrease significantly, which is why many resort to supplementation with NAD+ precursors such as NR to boost the body's own NAD+ production.

When NAD+ is used, nicotinamide (NAM) is produced. To safely break down NAM and convert it back into NAD+, the body requires large amounts of methyl groups. If these are lacking, NAD+ regeneration can be slowed down.


Betaine or TMG is one of the most effective natural methyl group donors and supports precisely this process.

Betaine relieves the metabolic burden on NAD+ precursors such as NR.

Those taking NR or other NAD+ boosters automatically increase their need for methyl groups. Betaine/TMG stabilizes the methylation cycle, keeps homocysteine ​​levels balanced, and allows NAD+ to be optimally regenerated.

Synergy for energy, cell protection and longevity

The combination of NAD+ preamps and betaine/TMG creates a clear advantage:

- improved NAD⁺ availability

- more efficient energy production

- stabilized methylation

- higher sirtuin activity

- improved cellular protection

This creates a strong synergy that supports energy levels , cell health , and longevity processes .

Betaine/TMG and NR in REVIVE

Our longevity formula in REVIVE contains both the active NAD+ precursor nicotinamide riboside (NR) and betaine (TMG). Betaine supports the supply of methyl groups, which are crucial for maintaining long-term NAD+ production.

The dosage ratio in REVIVE is 2:1 between NR and TMG, which corresponds to the common recommendations for taking these longevity molecules.

Where does betaine occur naturally?

Betaine is found in various plant-based foods - however, by no means in concentrations that would guarantee a constant supply.

The most important natural sources:

Beetroot

One of the best-known sources. 100 g of beetroot contains approximately 120–150 mg of betaine.

spinach

Spinach contains moderate amounts of natural betaine, depending on soil quality and growth phase.

Quinoa & Whole Grains

Wheat germ and quinoa in particular contain betaine, but only in small amounts.

seafood

Some types of fish contain betaine, the amount varying depending on their origin.

Why natural sources are often insufficient:

The amounts found in food vary greatly and are usually significantly lower than the dosages investigated in studies on metabolism, homocysteine ​​regulation, or performance. Therefore, betaine/TMG is frequently consumed via dietary supplements.

What does longevity research say about betaine?

Betaine is becoming increasingly important in longevity research, as this nutrient has a direct influence on the hallmarks of aging. occupies.

DNA stability & epigenetic regulation

Methylation is crucial for maintaining the stability of DNA structures and regulating epigenetic markers.
A stable methylation status can contribute to:

- To harmonize gene expression in old age

- To support DNA repair mechanisms

- To slow down cell aging

Energy production and mitochondrial support

Betaine or TMG has an indirect effect on the mitochondria, as these nutrients provide methyl groups, which in turn are important for the production of NAD+.

Good methylation performance is associated with more energy and lower metabolic stress.

Protection of the liver

The liver plays a central role in detoxification, fat metabolism and metabolic flexibility.

Betaine is frequently mentioned in longevity studies as a supportive nutrient to help maintain these functions in the long term.

Homocysteine ​​as a longevity marker

Elevated homocysteine ​​levels are regularly associated with aging processes, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

Betaine is considered one of the most efficient natural ways to regulate homocysteine.

Conclusion: Betaine/TMG as an important dietary supplement

Betaine (TMG) is a natural, versatile nutrient that supports key bodily processes – especially methyl metabolism, homocysteine ​​breakdown, liver function and cell protection.

Research shows that betaine influences important mechanisms closely linked to healthy aging: energy production, DNA stability, detoxification, cellular stress resistance, and sustained NAD+ production.

Since betaine intake from the diet varies greatly and is often below optimal levels, supplementation can help to reliably support this essential process - especially in a modern, energy-intensive lifestyle.

REVIVE Longevity Supplement

For energy and cell protection

REVIVE

REVIVE contains high-quality betaine (TMG) – one of the most effective sources of methyl groups in human metabolism. As a key methyl group donor, TMG supports processes such as DNA repair, detoxification, and energy production. Of particular importance: Methylation plays a crucial role in NAD+ metabolism, as methyl groups are consumed during the breakdown and conversion of NAD+ precursors.

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FAQ

Betaine provides the body with methyl groups that are needed for DNA regulation, amino acid metabolism and the synthesis of important molecules.

When NAD+ precursors like nicotinamide riboside (NR) are converted to NAD+, methylation byproducts are formed that increase the need for methyl groups. Betaine provides precisely these methyl groups, enabling the body to efficiently process NR and maintain balance in methyl metabolism.

TMG actively donates methyl groups. These are used for the formation of neurotransmitters, creatine, carnitine, phospholipids, and for the breakdown of homocysteine. Without sufficient methylation, energy production, cell protection, and repair processes would become unbalanced.

Betaine is particularly abundant in beetroot. Other natural sources include spinach, wheat bran, whole grain products, and some legumes. However, dietary intake is often limited, which is why it is also used as a supplement.

With age and prolonged stress, the body's need for methyl groups increases, as these are essential for numerous metabolic processes. Betaine provides these methyl groups directly and is used in the body to break down homocysteine —an amino acid produced during protein metabolism. When homocysteine ​​accumulates, it burdens the metabolism and can disrupt important cellular processes. Betaine converts excess homocysteine ​​into harmless metabolic products, thus maintaining a balanced methylation cycle.

Betaine provides the methyl groups the body needs to efficiently process nicotinamide riboside (NR). The conversion of NR to NAD+ produces metabolic byproducts that increase the need for methylation. Without sufficient methyl groups, this process can become unbalanced. Betaine ensures that the methylation cycle remains stable and that NR can be optimally utilized. Therefore, TMG is a key component of the REVIVE formula.