Trimethylglycine (TMG), also known as betaine anhydrous, is a naturally occurring compound found in foods like beets, spinach, and whole grains. It’s often used as a supplement for various health and performance benefits. Here are the key benefits of TMG:
🔬 1. Supports Methylation
TMG is a methyl donor, meaning it helps your body carry out methylation — a critical biochemical process involved in:
- DNA repair and expression
- Detoxification
- Hormone regulation
- Neurotransmitter synthesis (e.g., serotonin, dopamine)
Methylation is especially important for individuals with MTHFR gene mutations, who may have impaired methylation function.
❤️ 2. Lowers Homocysteine Levels
TMG can help reduce elevated homocysteine, an amino acid linked to:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cognitive decline
- Inflammation
By donating methyl groups, TMG converts homocysteine into methionine, reducing cardiovascular risk.
🧠 3. Supports Mood and Cognitive Function
Because methylation affects neurotransmitters, TMG may:
- Improve mood
- Reduce brain fog
- Support mental clarity and focus
It’s sometimes used alongside SAMe, B12, and folate in mood-support protocols.
🧬 4. Liver Health and Detox Support
TMG helps the liver process fats and detoxify harmful substances, offering:
- Protection from fatty liver (especially non-alcoholic fatty liver disease – NAFLD)
- Better liver enzyme profiles
- Enhanced overall detoxification
🏋️♂️ 5. Athletic Performance and Muscle Gains
TMG may enhance physical performance through:
- Improved muscular power output
- Increased strength and endurance
- Better hydration and muscle volume
It’s often included in pre-workouts and ergogenic aids for this reason.
🧪 6. Supports Creatine Synthesis
TMG helps in the production of creatine, which supports:
- ATP production
- Muscle energy
- Recovery and performance
This makes TMG synergistic with creatine supplementation.
🧠 Bonus: Potential Nootropic Support
By influencing neurotransmitter levels and reducing oxidative stress, some users report mild nootropic effects like:
- Sharper mental processing
- Enhanced focus
⚠️ Considerations
- TMG can increase cholesterol in some individuals.
- May exacerbate symptoms of overmethylation in sensitive individuals.
- Best taken with folate, B6, and B12 to balance the methylation cycle.
- Start with 1 gram with meals
- Recommended brands? Life Extension, Doctor’s best, and Pure Encapsulations
