Trimethylglycine pill health benefit, for mental energy and better mood

Trimethylglycine TMG (also known as betaine), and Dimethylglycine DMG, are methyl donors that help in the production of several brain chemicals and hence improve mood, energy, wellbeing, alertness, concentration, and visual clarity.

Unless your major is college was chemistry, chances are you don’t remember learning about methyl donors. But if you find the field of mind boosting interesting, you will certainly want to learn more about these supplements. A methyl donor is simply any substance that can transfer a methyl group [a carbon atom attached to three hydrogen atoms (CH3)] to another substance. Many important biochemical processes rely on methylation, including the metabolism of lipids and DNA. Scientists suspect that adequate methylation of DNA can prevent the expression of harmful genes, such as cancer genes. It’s quite likely that our body’s ability to methylate declines with age, potentially contributing to the aging process, and therefore supplementation is an interesting idea in terms of health benefits.

Research update
Trimethylglycine lowers homocysteine levels.
Has been found to protect liver cells from toxins.
Trimethylglycine is a safe and well tolerated nutrient that leads to a significant biochemical and histological improvement in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
May lead to sexual enhancement and enjoyment.

Availability of Trimethylglycine
Trimethylglycine is sold in dosages ranging from 100 to 500 mg. Beets, broccoli, and shellfish are food sources of trimethylglycine. In fact, the source of most of the Trimethylglycine sold over the counter is often from the sugar beet. Other supplements used for mental enhancement include Mind Power Rx and Alpha-GPC.

The Chemistry of DMG and Trimethylglycine
DMG (dimethylglycine) is basically the amino acid glycine attached to two methyl groups while TMG has three methyl groups. In brief, choline (tetramethylglycine) has four methyl groups, and when it donates a methyl group it becomes Trimethylglycine and when Trimethylglycine donates a methyl group it becomes DMG. DMG, in turn, has two methyl groups left to methylate other substances in the body. Commonly these methyl groups are added to homocysteine, converting it into the amino acid methionine which is then converted to SAMe. SAMe is a nutrient available over the counter, which has been used as a powerful antidepressant. DMG plays a crucial role in the respiratory cycle of the cells, transporting oxygen and serving as a potent methyl donor. DMG acts as a building block for the synthesis of many important substances such as choline, SAM-e, the amino acid methionine, several hormones, neurotransmitters, and DNA. The formation of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine requires a methyl group donated by SAMe. Dopamine enhances sex drive. TMG (trimethylglycine), also known as betaine, is basically the amino acid glycine attached to three methyl groups. Simply, Trimethylglycine has one more methyl group than DMG.

Trimethylglycine Recommendations
Trimethylglycine and DMG are underutilized nutrients that hold a great deal of promise but unfortunately, few doctors are familiar with these nutrients. At this time the clinical uses of Trimethylglycine and DMG are not well defined and whether they would be helpful in the therapy of Alzheimer and Parkinson’s disease is not known. Since the body’s ability to methylate declines with age, supplements of Trimethylglycine or DMG in small amounts, such as 50 to 100 mg a day, may benefit middle aged and older individuals. I recommend not exceeding 250 mg of Trimethylglycine or DMG on a daily basis until more is known about these supplements. Your dose of Trimethylglycine and DMG should be reduced if you are taking B vitamins, SAMe, the nutrient DMAE, or choline since all of these nutrients have overlapping functions.

Trimethylglycine emails
Q. Does trimethylglycine thin the blood?
   A. We are not aware of trimethylglycine having an influence on blood coagulation but we have not yet seen research in this area. Trimethylglycine is a potent substance and care should be taken to limit dosage to no more than 100 to 200 mg a day.

Q. I was reading your article on Trimethylglycine TMG. My husband (81) has a homocysteine of 14-16. He has chronic kidney insufficiency. He also takes 2000 mcg of B-12 (for B-12 deficiency) and one B-100 a day, also 1000 mcg of folic acid (multivitamin + B-100). In his condition, is it safe for him to try Trimethylglycine TMG? His doctor doesn't know anything about Trimethylglycine TMG and said his elevated homocysteine is from the kidney disease.
   A. Trimethylglycine is a very potent nutrient that can cause overstimulation, increased heart beat and insomnia. Those who are on high dosages of other vitamins should be cautious in using Trimethylglycine due to overstimulation, and if deciding to use it, should only take a small portion of a pill. We suggest your doctor read more about Trimethylglycine to make the recommendation since we only provide general information and we don't advise whether to take or not take a supplement.

Q. Does trimethylglycine help with erectile dysfunction?
   A. Not immediately or within a day or two as other supplements can. Perhaps low dosages over time could help overall sexuality.

Q. I take 150 mg Bupropion a day and have bought trimethylglycine and L-theanine. Is it safe to take these together? Is trimethylglycine a dopamine reuptake inhibitor?
   A. The combination of pharmaceutical drugs and supplements has hardly been studied and there could be unexpected reactions when drugs and supplements are combined. As a general rule, it is a good idea to learn how each supplement works by itself before combining. Trimethylglycine is a potent nutrient and even a third of a tablet of the 750 mg can be potent for some people. Trimethylglycine is not a dopamine reuptake inhibitor.

Q. i am not obese but have fatty liver i bought trimethylglycine in powder form, i took a small dosage, got a bit of a headache and dry mouth, wondering there have been articles that trimethylglycine helps people with fatty live.
   A. We are not aware of studies in humans regarding the role of trimethylglycine and liver health. A side effect of high dose trimethyglycine is headache, and it is a good idea to use a lower amount.

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