Effects of betaine on performance and body composition: a review of recent findings and potential mechanisms

doi:10.1007/s00726-014-1748-5

Paper

Effects of betaine on performance and body composition: a review of recent findings and potential mechanisms

Published Apr 24, 2014 · J. Cholewa, L. Guimarães‐Ferreira, N. Zanchi

Amino Acids

Q2 SJR score

109

Citations

2

Influential Citations

Full textSemantic Scholar

Abstract

Betaine is a methyl derivative of glycine first isolated from sugar beets. Betaine consumed from food sources and through dietary supplements presents similar bioavailability and is metabolized to di-methylglycine and sarcosine in the liver. The ergogenic and clinical effects of betaine have been investigated with doses ranging from 500 to 9,000 mg/day. Some studies using animal models and human subjects suggest that betaine supplementation could promote adiposity reductions and/or lean mass gains. Moreover, previous investigations report positive effects of betaine on sports performance in both endurance- and resistance-type exercise, despite some conflicting results. The mechanisms underlying these effects are poorly understood, but could involve the stimulation of lipolysis and inhibition of lipogenesis via gene expression and subsequent activity of lipolytic-/lipogenic-related proteins, stimulation of autocrine/endocrine IGF-1 release and insulin receptor signaling pathways, stimulation of growth hormone secretion, increased creatine synthesis, increases in protein synthesis via intracellular hyper-hydration, as well as exerting psychological effects such as attenuating sensations of fatigue. However, the exact mechanisms behind betaine action and the long-term effects of supplementation on humans remain to be elucidated. This review aims to describe evidence for the use of betaine as an ergogenic and esthetic aid, and discuss the potential mechanisms underlying these effects.

Literature Review

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Study Snapshot

Betaine supplementation may promote adiposity reductions and lean mass gains, potentially improving sports performance and enhancing body composition.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

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Effects of betaine on performance and body composition: a review of recent findings and potential mechanisms

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References

Effects of betaine on body composition, performance, and homocysteine thiolactone

Betaine supplementation improves body composition, arm size, bench press work capacity, and reduces urinary homocysteine thiolactone levels in strength-trained men.

Osmotic regulation of hepatic betaine metabolism.

Hepatocytes adapt to changes in cell volume by coordinating betaine synthesis and degradation, highlighting the importance of cell volume homeostasis for liver function.

Betaine supplementation enhances anabolic endocrine and Akt signaling in response to acute bouts of exercise

Betaine supplementation enhances anabolic endocrine profile and Akt signaling after acute exercise, suggesting increased protein synthesis.

Creatine but not betaine supplementation increases muscle phosphorylcreatine content and strength performance

Betaine supplementation does not augment muscle phosphorylcreatine content and does not affect strength and power performance in untrained subjects.

Effect of betaine supplementation on cycling sprint performance

One week of betaine ingestion improved cycling sprint power in recreationally active males and females.

The Effects of Chronic Betaine Supplementation on Exercise Performance, Skeletal Muscle Oxygen Saturation and Associated Biochemical Parameters in Resistance Trained Men

Chronic betaine supplementation moderately increases total repetitions and volume load in bench press exercises, but does not significantly impact other performance measures in resistance trained men.

Effect of 15 Days of Betaine Ingestion on Concentric and Eccentric Force Outputs During Isokinetic Exercise

15 days of betaine supplementation did not increase peak concentric or eccentric force outputs during isokinetic chest press, but did reduce subjective measures of fatigue.

Influence of betaine and conjugated linoleic acid on development of carcass cuts of Iberian pigs growing from 20 to 50 kg body weight.

Feeding Iberian pigs with 0.5% betaine and 1% CLA improves shoulder butt and spine yield, reduces belly and backfat, and enhances lean shoulder meat.

Interactive Processes Link the Multiple Symptoms of Fatigue in Sport Competition

Fatigue in sports is best described as an exercise-induced decline in performance, influenced by multiple overlapping factors and mechanisms.

Citations

Effects of chronic betaine supplementation on exercise performance: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Chronic betaine supplementation significantly enhances muscular strength, particularly lower body strength, and shows potential in improving vertical jumping performance.

Effect of betaine supplementation on immunity, energy, and lipid metabolites of growing Murrah buffalo calves

Supplemental betaine may play a role in regulating immunity in growing Murrah buffalo calves, but has no effect on glucose, non-esterified fatty acid, total cholesterol, and HDL-CH.

Longitudinal characterization of the muscle metabolome in dairy cows during the transition from lactation cessation to lactation resumption.

The skeletal muscle metabolome in dairy cows shows significant changes in amino acid concentrations and fatty acid oxidation during the transition from lactation cessation to lactation resumption.

Heat Production of Iberian Pig Exposed to High Temperature and Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Betaine or Zinc

Iberian pigs are genetically adapted to hot environments, and betaine supplementation may positively impact lipogenesis and overall growth in hot conditions.

Higher dietary methyl donor micronutrient consumption is associated with higher muscle strength in adults: a cross-sectional study

Higher dietary methyl donor micronutrient consumption is associated with enhanced muscle strength in adults.

Betaine and L-Carnitine Synergistically Influence the Metabolome and Immune Response in Dogs

Dietary betaine and L-carnitine together effectively reduce cytokine stimulation, control inflammation, and provide a robust response to bacterial infection in dogs.

Making the case for prophylactic use of betaine to promote brain health in young (15–24 year old) athletes at risk for concussion

Betaine supplementation can promote brain health and resilience in young athletes at risk for concussions and Alzheimer's disease.

The Effect of Choline and Resistance Training on Strength and Lean Mass in Older Adults

Low choline intake may negatively affect strength gains with resistance exercise training in older adults.

Effects of temperature-humidity index on blood metabolites of German dairy cows and their female calves.

Heat stress in dairy cows leads to altered lipid metabolism, with specific metabolites acting as potential biomarkers for heat stress.