Ingredient Spotlight: Betaine 
Today we’re putting the ingredient spotlight on Betaine and it’s benefits. Naturally occuring in the body and often plant derived from sugar beet—Betaine is a humectant that helps the skin stay hydrated, plump, and youthful. Today we’re putting the ingredient spotlight on Betaine and its benefits.
Betaine is a mighty amino acid found in various hair and, Naturally occuring in the body and often plant derived from sugar beet— Betaine is a humectant that helps the skin stay hydrated, plump, and youthful. Betaine’s useful for: Hydrating Betaine acts as a gentle hydrator that helps you skin gain and maintain moisture.
Its molecules bond with hydrogen to give Betaine its skin quenching abilities. This specific molecular structure makes Betaine solvent with a silky smooth feel that translates to your skin. Anti-Aging Betaine is useful in anti-aging products to help prevent wrinkles.
Its moisturizing properties soften skin’s texture and effectively fill in creases to reduce the deep appearance of wrinkles. Betaine’s essentially a topical Face Filter. Anti-Irritant Betaine soothes and protects the skin. Surprisingly a 50% Betaine solution is less irritating than pure water. Often used in post procedural skin products, Betaine reduces sensitivity and has a calming effect on the skin.
Unlike other products, it doesn’t immobilize water molecules and protects skin from further damage. Suffice it to say you can bet on Betaine to help keep your skin looking and feeling silken and restored. : Ingredient Spotlight: Betaine
Is betaine safe for face?
Betaine as a skincare ingredient is one of the most gentle humectants you could ever encounter – perfect for any clean beauty routine. As an amino acid with osmolyte properties, betaine can balance your skin’s moisture content and improve its ability to retain hydration.
Is betaine safe in cosmetics?
Newer research indicates betaine shows promise as a topical ingredient to visibly correct uneven skin tone. More studies are needed to confirm this effect, but so far, the results look encouraging. The 2018 Cosmetic Ingredient Review of betaine concluded that this ingredient is safe.
What is betaine made from?
INTRODUCTION – Betaine is found in microorganisms, plants, and animals and is a significant component of many foods ( 1– 10), including wheat, shellfish, spinach, and sugar beets. Betaine is a zwitterionic quaternary ammonium compound that is also known as trimethylglycine, glycine betaine, lycine, and oxyneurine. It is a methyl derivative of the amino acid glycine with a formula of (CH 3 ) 3 N + CH 2 COO − and a molecular weight of 117.2, and it has been characterized as a methylamine because of its 3 chemically reactive methyl groups ( 11). Betaine was first discovered in the juice of sugar beets ( Beta vulgaris ) in the 19th century and was subsequently found in several other organisms. The physiologic function of betaine is either as an organic osmolyte to protect cells under stress or as a catabolic source of methyl groups via transmethylation for use in many biochemical pathways ( 12). The principle role for betaine in plants and microorganisms is to protect cells against osmotic inactivation ( 13). Exposure to drought, high salinity, or temperature stress triggers betaine synthesis in mitochondria, which results in its accumulation in the cells. Betaine is a compatible osmolyte that increases the water retention of cells, replaces inorganic salts, and protects intracellular enzymes against osmotically induced or temperature-induced inactivation ( 11, 14– 19). For example, spinach is grown in saline soil, and betaine can accumulate in amounts of up to 3% of fresh weight. This enables the chloroplasts to photosynthesize in the presence of high salinity ( 20). Betaine has been used as a dietary feed supplement in animal nutrition for >50 y, and this use has provided useful insights into human nutrition. Betaine is added to farmed fish feed as an osmolyte to protect fish from the stress of moving from low to high salinity. Salmon liver mitochondria actively take up betaine when exposed to osmotic stress, and metabolic activity would be reduced to a much greater extent if betaine were not present ( 13). Betaine protects chick intestinal cells from coccidia infection, alleviates symptoms, and improves performance ( 21– 23). Coccidiosis affects gut ionic balance and intestinal morphology, which leads to maldigestion, malabsorption, and dehydration. As a methyl donor, betaine provides the one-carbon units that can spare the amount of dietary methionine and choline required for optimal nutrition. For example, betaine improves growth and the efficiency of food utilization and reduces body fat in pigs and chicks ( 23– 27). Humans obtain betaine from foods that contain either betaine or choline-containing compounds. Betaine is present in foods in variable amounts that are generally related to growing and osmotic stress conditions. Some examples of food with high betaine content are shown in Table 1, and we estimate (SAS Craig, Danisco USA Inc, unpublished observations, 2004) that dietary intake of betaine ranges from an average of 1 g/d to a high of 2.5 g/d (for a diet high in whole wheat and seafood). The principle metabolic fate of choline is via irreversible oxidation to betaine in the liver and kidney ( 28– 32) via a two-step process ( Figure 1 ). First, choline is oxidized to betaine aldehyde by the enzyme choline dehydrogenase. This enzyme can also convert betaine aldehyde to betaine in the presence of NAD + ( 33). Choline dehydrogenase activity occurs in the mitochondria, on the matrix side of the inner membrane ( 34– 36). Betaine aldehyde is then oxidized to betaine by the NAD + -dependent enzyme betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase both in mitochondria and in the cytosol ( 37). The remainder of dietary choline is used to make acetylcholine and phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine. A diet of normal foods is estimated to deliver 1 g choline/d ( 38). TABLE 1 Food items with high betaine content 1
| Food item | Betaine content |
|---|---|
| mg/100 g | |
| Wheat bran | 1339 |
| Wheat germ | 1241 |
| Spinach | 600-645 |
| Beets | 114-297 |
| Pretzels | 237 |
| Shrimp | 219 |
| Wheat bread | 201 |
| Crackers | 49-199 |
table>
TABLE 1 Food items with high betaine content 1
| Food item | Betaine content |
|---|---|
| mg/100 g | |
| Wheat bran | 1339 |
| Wheat germ | 1241 |
| Spinach | 600-645 |
| Beets | 114-297 |
| Pretzels | 237 |
| Shrimp | 219 |
| Wheat bread | 201 |
| Crackers | 49-199 |
table>
FIGURE 1. Betaine and transmethylation in the methionine cycle. B6, vitamin B-6; B12, vitamin B-12 (cobalamin); BHMT, betaine homocysteine methyltransferase; CBS, cystathionine β-synthase; MS, methionine synthase; MTHFR, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase; THF, tetrahydrofolate; CH 3 -THF, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate.
- A US Department of Agriculture database of the choline and betaine content of food has been developed ( 3).
- The betaine content of foods was found to vary when different sources of individual foods were analyzed and when different cooking methods were used; for example, boiling led to the greatest loss of betaine ( 39).
Comprehensive databases will provide a more accurate determination of the dietary intake patterns of betaine and can be used in epidemiologic studies to establish any correlation with disease risk reduction. Earlier studies hypothesized that betaine in red wine ( 40) and whole grain ( 41) may protect against coronary artery disease.
What is betaine used for?
pronounced as (bee’ ta een) Betaine is used to treat homocystinuria (an inherited condition in which the body cannot break down a certain protein, causing build-up of homocysteine in the blood). Increased amounts of homocysteine in the body can cause symptoms such as extreme tiredness, seizures, dislocation of the lens of the eye, abnormal bone structure, osteoporosis (weak bones), blood clots, or decreased weight or rate of weight gain and slowed development in children.
- Betaine is in a class of medications called nutrients.
- It works by decreasing the amount of homocysteine in the blood.
- Betaine comes as a powder to be mixed with food or drink and taken by mouth.
- It is usually taken twice a day.
- Take betaine at around the same times every day.
- Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take betaine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of betaine and gradually increase your dose based on your body’s response to the medication.
What are the risks of betaine?
Most side effects from betaine are mild and include diarrhea, stomach upset, and nausea. Betaine can raise total cholesterol levels. People who are overweight, have heart disease, or are at risk for heart disease, should not take betaine without talking to their provider.
What are the cons of betaine?
Betaine anhydrous is available as an FDA-approved prescription product (Cystadane) and a dietary supplement. It’s usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, and body odor.
Is betaine a natural ingredient?
Origin – Betaine is a natural ingredient but can also be made synthetically. Naturally, Betaine can be derived from sugar beets, wheat bran, spinach, wheat germs, and also aquatic invertebrates. Further, it can also be made by reacting chloroacetic acid and sodium carbonate, and adding liquid trimethylamine to it.
What is another name for betaine?
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Names | |
|---|---|
| Preferred IUPAC name (Trimethylazaniumyl)acetate | |
Other names
|
|
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number |
107-43-7 |
| 3D model ( JSmol ) |
Interactive image |
| Beilstein Reference | 3537113 |
| ChEBI |
CHEBI:17750 |
| ChEMBL |
ChEMBL1182 |
| ChemSpider |
242 |
| DrugBank |
DB06756 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.003.174 |
| EC Number |
203-490-6 |
| Gmelin Reference | 26434 |
| IUPHAR/BPS |
4550 |
| KEGG |
C00719 |
| MeSH | Betaine |
| PubChem CID |
247 |
| UNII |
3SCV180C9W |
| CompTox Dashboard ( EPA ) |
DTXSID8022666 |
| InChI | |
| SMILES | |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C 5 H 11 NO 2 |
| Molar mass | 117.146 |
| Appearance | White solid |
| Melting point | 180 °C (356 °F; 453 K) (decomposes) |
| Solubility in water | Soluble |
| Solubility | Methanol |
| Acidity (p K a ) | 1.84 |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | A16AA06 ( WHO ) |
| License data |
EU EMA : by Betaine anhydrous |
| Routes of administration | By mouth |
| Legal status |
|
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling : | |
| Pictograms | |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H315, H319 |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P321, P332+P313, P337+P313, P362 |
| Related compounds | |
| Related amino acids | Glycine Methylglycine Dimethylglycine |
| Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa). verify ( what is ?) Infobox references |
Trimethylglycine is an amino acid derivative that occurs in plants. Trimethylglycine was the first betaine discovered; originally it was simply called betaine because, in the 19th century, it was discovered in sugar beets ( Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris ).
Does betaine actually work?
Increased Endurance – Betaine can increase your endurance and resistance training performance, The hydration of cells keeps your body going longer. Endurance is closely tied to muscle strength; so by increasing muscle mass, betaine improves endurance as well.
- A study done by the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that after taking betaine for two weeks, the study participants improved muscle endurance.
- This was found by testing and monitoring a lower body workout by increasing the number of squats performed.
- Within one week, participants were able to see a noticeable increase in squat reps while taking Betaine.
Several g roups of researchers have also discovered that betaine supplementation in participants resulted in them being able to sprint for almost 40 seconds longer, complete more total reps in bench press workouts, and pedal with more power in cycling workouts than the placebo group of subjects drinking just water.
Is betaine HCL banned?
BETAINE HYDROCHLORIDE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews is found naturally in the body. Betaine hydrochloride is a man-made form of betaine previously used as a source of hydrochloric acid. Betaine hydrochloride was previously available as an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine to increase acid in people with low acid.
But the US FDA banned its use in OTC products due to a lack of information about whether it is safe and effective. Betaine hydrochloride is used for many conditions, including, increasing stomach acid, and others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use. Don’t confuse betaine hydrochloride with betaine anhydrous.
We currently have no information for BETAINE HYDROCHLORIDE overview, When taken by : Betaine hydrochloride is possibly safe when taken as a single dose. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if betaine hydrochloride is safe when taken in multiple doses.
It might, When taken by : Betaine hydrochloride is possibly safe when taken as a single dose. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if betaine hydrochloride is safe when taken in multiple doses. It might, Pregnancy and -feeding : There isn’t enough reliable information to know if betaine hydrochloride is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding.
Stay on the safe side and avoid use. : Betaine hydrochloride can increase stomach acid. There is a concern that the hydrochloric acid produced from betaine hydrochloride might irritate stomach ulcers or keep them from healing.
Be watchful with this combination Antacids are used to decrease stomach acid. Betaine hydrochloride can increase stomach acid. Taking betaine hydrochloride might decrease the effects of antacids. H2-blockers are used to decrease stomach acid. Betaine hydrochloride can increase stomach acid. Taking betaine hydrochloride might decrease the effects of H2-blockers. Some common H2-blockers include cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), and famotidine (Pepcid).
Proton pump inhibitors are used to decrease stomach acid. Betaine hydrochloride can increase stomach acid. Taking betaine hydrochloride might decrease the effects of proton pump inhibitors. Some common proton pump inhibitors include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium).
There isn’t enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of betaine hydrochloride might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a professional before using. REFERENCES: Anon.
Betaine. Monograph. Altern Med Rev 2003;8:193-6. View abstract. Code of Federal Regulations Title 21, Chapter 1, Subchapter D, Part 310 https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=310.540 Craig SA. Betaine in human nutrition.
- Am J Clin Nutr 2004;80:539-49.
- View abstract.
- Ostojic SM, Niess B, Stojanovic M, Obrenovic M.
- Co-administration of methyl donors along with guanidinoacetic acid reduces the incidence of hyperhomocysteinaemia compared with guanidinoacetic acid administration alone.
- Br J Nutr.2013 Sep 14;110(5):865-70.
- View abstract.
Yago MR, Frymoyer A, Benet LZ, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Ding X, Dean B, Salphati L, Budha N, Jin JY, Dresser MJ, Ware JA. The use of betaine HCl to enhance dasatinib absorption in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. AAPS J.2014 Nov;16(6):1358-65.
View abstract. Yago MR, Frymoyer AR, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Budha NR, Dresser MJ, Ware JA, Benet LZ. Gastric reacidification with betaine HCl in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. Mol Pharm.2013 Nov 4;10(11):4032-7. View abstract. CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects.
This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020. : BETAINE HYDROCHLORIDE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews
Can betaine irritate skin?
Cocamidopropyl betaine is a “surfactant” that can be found in shampoos, hand soaps and some cosmetics. These are molecules that congregate at the surface of substances that would not normally mix, such as water and oil, and allow them to mix. This is of great importance when removing oily substances from fabrics or from the body.
Surfactants also can enhance foaming by allowing air to mix with a solution and foam is helpful in removing soil from a surface. It is possible for cocamidopropyl betaine to cause skin irritation, however, it isn’t clear if that is due to the chemical itself or to residues of the reagents from which it is produced.
The cosmetics industry claims that if the compound is properly purified it is not irritating. Of course, there is no way to know whether in specific products it is properly purified. All one can say is that if someone experiences irritation, they should stay away from the product.
But it is certainly possible that one product that contains this chemical is irritating while another is not if the irritation is indeed due to residues involved in the synthesis. Sometimes cocamidopropyl betaine is promoted as “natural” which is totally misleading. One of the components used in the synthesis is lauric acid found in coconut or palm oil.
But the final product is made by combining this with a host of reagents. In any case, whether a substance is natural or not has absolutely nothing to do with whether it can cause skin irritation. After all, poison ivy and stinging nettle are perfectly natural.