Homocysteine, an amino acid that naturally occurs in the blood, is increasingly being seen as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Elevated levels of homocysteine have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and strokes. There is growing interest in supplements that can help lower these levels. One of the main supplements is trimethylglycine (TMG), also known as betaine.
What is TMG?
TMG is a naturally occurring substance that is commonly found in foods such as spinach, sugar beets, seafood, and whole grains. It plays an important role in the body as a methyl group donor, which means it helps with crucial biochemical processes, including the conversion of homocysteine into methionine. This process contributes to lowering homocysteine levels and may help protect cardiovascular health.
The Study: Effect of TMG on Homocysteine Levels
A study conducted by researchers from Wageningen University and TNO Nutrition and Food Research examined the effect of low doses of TMG on homocysteine levels in healthy adults. The participants received daily doses of 1.5 grams, 3 grams, or 6 grams of TMG for six weeks, while a control group received a placebo.
The results showed that TMG led to significant reductions in homocysteine levels. The group that received 1.5 grams of TMG per day saw a decrease of 12%, while 3 grams and 6 grams resulted in decreases of 15% and 20% respectively compared to the control group.
Key Findings
This research shows that TMG, even in low doses, can help lower homocysteine levels. This is important because previous studies mainly focused on higher doses of more than 6 grams per day. The findings suggest that a diet rich in TMG or a TMG supplement could be an easy way to lower homocysteine levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Homocysteine and Heart Health
Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with damage to the blood vessels, which can lead to inflammation and an increased risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). This process increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Therefore, lowering homocysteine is seen as an important strategy to improve cardiovascular health.
How Does TMG Work?
TMG supports the remethylation in the body, converting homocysteine into methionine. This lowers homocysteine levels. Methionine is an essential amino acid involved in many bodily functions, including protein production. By taking TMG, one increases the availability of methyl groups, making this process more efficient and reducing homocysteine levels.
Other Benefits of TMG
After the reduction of homocysteine has been established, there are other benefits of TMG, such as improving liver function and protecting cells from dehydration. It can also contribute to a healthy metabolism and digestion.
How to Take TMG?
TMG can be ingested through diet by consuming foods such as spinach, quinoa, and seafood. For people who may not get enough TMG from their diet, supplements can be an option. Even low doses of 1.5 to 6 grams per day can, as research shows, already have a significant impact on homocysteine levels.
Conclusion: A Promising Supplement for Heart Health
The research confirms that TMG can be a simple and effective way to lower homocysteine levels, which contributes to improved cardiovascular health. Although more research is needed to investigate the long-term effects of TMG on cardiovascular diseases, this supplement appears promising for people who want to reduce their risk of heart disease.
By following a diet rich in TMG or by using TMG supplements, people may be able to take an important step towards a healthier heart and a longer life.
Key points:
- TMG helps convert homocysteine into methionine, thereby lowering homocysteine levels.
- Elevated homocysteine levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
- Supplementation with low doses of TMG can reduce homocysteine levels by 12-20%.
- A diet rich in TMG can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Conclusion:
TMG, present in food and supplements, offers great potential as a natural way to lower homocysteine levels and improve heart health.
Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316622161778
