Considering methylation affects nearly every cell in the body, betaine’s physiological actions promote universal well-being—however, its properties are especially important for cardiovascular health.* As a methyl donor, betaine works alongside fully activated methylfolate and vitamin B12 to convert homocysteine to methionine2—an essential amino acid involved in the production of cysteine, taurine, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e), and even master antioxidant glutathione.* Thanks to this process, betaine helps regulate healthy levels of homocysteine and maintain proper methylation pathways.* Another meta-analysis from the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine shows that betaine supplementation can lower homocysteine levels by up to 20%4.* For individuals with an MTHFR gene variant—i.e., about half of the population—this can be a game changer for optimizing their methylation cycle and overall health. Beyond the methylation cycle, betaine also helps modulate plasma lipids—including LDL and total cholesterol—and promotes healthy myocardial metabolism5 and heart contraction.* With its collective roles in lipid regulation, metabolism, methylation, and cardiovascular function, we can’t ignore that betaine is a crucial heart health player.*
