Betaine Anhydrous

Also known as: glycine betaine, trimethylglycine, TMG, betaine

Evidence under review. — Not yet rated

Methyl donor compound with solid evidence for homocystinuria and early liver disease support.

What it does

Betaine anhydrous is a naturally occurring compound derived from choline that acts as a methyl group donor in the body. It has the strongest evidence for treating homocystinuria — a rare genetic...
Evidence quality

Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
Clinical dose

6-10g daily based on study doses
Found in

1.M.R OG Pre-Workout Formula, Nutricost Pre-X Extreme Pre-Workout, Kaged Pre-Workout Max and 7 more

What the Science Says

Betaine anhydrous is a naturally occurring compound derived from choline that acts as a methyl group donor in the body. It has the strongest evidence for treating homocystinuria — a rare genetic disorder — where it reduces elevated homocysteine levels by an average of 29% in real-world patient data. Early clinical studies also suggest it may reduce liver fat and improve liver enzyme levels in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, though larger controlled trials are still needed.

What It Doesn't Do

Not proven to build muscle or boost athletic performance based on the studies provided. No evidence from these papers that it lowers homocysteine in healthy people without a metabolic disorder. Don't expect it to reverse serious liver disease on its own — it's not a replacement for medical treatment. The animal feed safety data doesn't translate to human performance benefits.

Evidence-Based Benefits

Reduces elevated homocysteine levels by ~29% in patients with homocystinuria when used with other therapies.

Moderate Evidence

Effective at: 6-9g daily in divided doses

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 30871635 PMID 35358327

May reduce liver fat accumulation in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or short bowel syndrome.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 10g daily in divided doses

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 11569700 PMID 24972476

Significantly lowers AST and ALT liver enzymes in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Weak Evidence

Effective at: 10g daily for 12 months

Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):

PMID 11569700

Absorption & Bioavailability

Unknown from provided studies — no pharmacokinetic data reported in the provided papers. Oral administration is standard; GI side effects (nausea, diarrhea) reported in up to 62% of patients suggest some tolerability issues at high doses.

Red Flags to Watch For

GI side effects (nausea and diarrhea) reported in up to 62% of patients at 10g/day doses — start low
One serious adverse event (interstitial lung disease) was reported as possibly drug-related in long-term registry data
Most liver-related evidence comes from small pilot studies (10 patients or fewer) without placebo controls — results should be interpreted cautiously
Betaine anhydrous is irritant to skin and eyes in raw powder form — handle with care
Widely used as an animal feed additive — don't assume animal data applies to human performance claims

Supplement

Legitimate

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Betaine Anhydrous do?

Methyl donor compound with solid evidence for homocystinuria and early liver disease support.

What is the effective dose of Betaine Anhydrous?

6-10g daily based on study doses

Is Betaine Anhydrous safe?

GI side effects (nausea and diarrhea) reported in up to 62% of patients at 10g/day doses — start low

What doesn't Betaine Anhydrous do?

Not proven to build muscle or boost athletic performance based on the studies provided.

Research Sources

PubMed
NIH DSLD

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25