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TMGThe nutritient's benefits to the heart health were discovered in research as far back as the 50s. However, later it has been confirmed that the cardiovascular benefits are due to the compound's ability to promote healthy levels of homocysteine alone or in conjunction with other nutrients. The way this works, is that when a TMG methyl group is donated to a molecule of homocysteine, it is converted first to the amino acid methionine, then to S-adenosyl-methionine (SAMe). As a compound that helps in the production of several brain chemicals, the effects of the compound have been associated in research with improved mood, energy, wellbeing, alertness, concentration, and visual clarity. Also, as a methyd donor (that carry and donate methyl molecules to facilitate necessary chemical processes) the compound is very important to proper liver function, cellular replication, and detoxification reactions. TMG - StudiesTrimethylglycine (Betaine) supplementation decreases plasma homocysteine concentrations but does not affect body weight, body composition, or resting energy expenditure in human subjects. Am J Clin Nutr. 2002 Nov;76(5):961-7. Betaine, metabolic by-product or vital methylating agent? Barak AJ, Tuma DJ. Life Sci 1983;32:771-4. Betaines: their significance for bacteria and the renal tract. Chambers ST. Clin Sci 1995;88:25-7. Betaine and folate status as cooperative determinants of plasma homocysteine in humans. Holm PI, Ueland PM, Vollset SE, Midttun O, Blom HJ, Keijzer MB, den Heijer M. (2005) Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 379-85.
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