Betaine
Description
Betaine is a plant pigment extracted from sugar beet, to which it gives its red colour. This molecule is derived from an amino acid, glycine.
Betaine is involved in the synthesis of phospholipids, which are essential components of cell membranes. Furthermore, betaine contributes to the protection of the heart by limiting the increase in blood levels of homocysteine, a molecule that is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Betaine also has a hepato protective effect. It helps to combat the accumulation of fats in the liver and promotes the biliary excretion of toxic substances metabolized by the liver.
Furthermore, betaine helps to reduce the level of fatty acids, and more particularly triglycerides, in the blood.
In addition, betaine metabolism leads to an increase of the production of nitric oxide, an intracellular messenger, also known as nitric oxide, which has a vasodilator action that improves tissue oxygenation and promotes better blood pressure regulation.
The benefits
Betaine contributes to the normal metabolism of homocysteine.
Scientific publications
Betaine is the subject of more than 6789 scientific publications.
