Betaine

Betaine is a quaternary ammonium compound with diverse biological activities. It has been found in spinach and can be acquired through the diet or formed via oxidation of betaine aldehyde (Item No. 17270) during choline metabolism in the liver and kidney. Betaine has roles in osmoregulation and serves as a methyl donor in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine. Betaine (1.5% w/v in drinking water) reduces serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, increases serum HDL levels, decreases serum LDL levels, and reduces hepatic steatosis and inflammation...