Literature Review: The Role of BetaPower™ natural Betaine in Muscle Performance

Literature Review: The Role of BetaPower™ natural Betaine in Muscle Performance

Betaine is a natural nutrient that promotes hydration and performance especially related to physical activity. Betaine is an osmolyte, which means it regulates the movement of water in and out of cells. Also known as trimethylglycine or TMG, betaine is found in many healthful foods, such as whole grains, spinach and beets.

This is important to performance nutrition because our muscles and support tissues can function more effectively when properly hydrated. In a study conducted on active, healthy, weight training men matched in body fat composition, Betaine was administered in two daily doses totaling 2.5 grams per day, over 6 weeks. Results showed a significant increase in Lean Body Mass and significant decrease in Fat Mass. There was a significant increase in Arm Cross Sectional Area and a significant improvement in Vertical Jump power.

An additional component of this study was to research TMG’s effects on homocysteine thiolactone (HCTL), a toxic metabolite. HCTL promotes insulin resistance and in the end, reduces muscle synthesis. TMG was shown to significantly reduce levels of HCTL found in urine analysis of test subjects.

Effects of Betaine on Body Composition, Performance, and Homocysteine Thiolactone

Jason M Cholewa, Monika Wyszczelska-Rokiel, Rafal Glowacki, Hieronim Jakubowski, Tracey Matthews, Richard Wood, Stuart AS Craig and Vincent Paolone

Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2013, 10:39  doi:10.1186/1550-2783-10-39. Published August 2013