PRODUCT: BETAINE ANHYDROUS

DESCRIPTION: Betaine Anhydrous, Trimethylglycine, TMG, and Cystadane. Note: Not to be confused with Betaine Hydrochloride, which is used in the treatment of achlorhydria.

THERAPEUTIC USE: Adjunct to Folic Acid, B6 and B12 in the treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia. Dosage 250 mg to 1000 mg per day. Homocystinuria unresponsive to Folic Acid (5-10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency) or Pyridoxine (cystathionine-beta-synthase deficiency). Dosage 3 GM with 4 to 6 ounces of water twice a day up to 20 GMS per day for adults and children. See prescription information on Cystadane. In homocystinuria, plasma concentrations of homocysteine are very high (>50 micromol/L). Miscellaneous uses; supplementation can increase S-adenosylmethionine biosynthesis in the liver when synthesis has been inhibited by alcohol.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Betaine occurs naturally in the body and is the major metabolite of choline. Betaine serves as a methyl donor in the methylation cycle. It is also found in foods such as beets, spinach, cereals, seafood and wine. Wine contains approximately 3 mg of betaine per glass and has been studied as a reason for the French Paradox.