Betaine (TMG) for Liver Protection
Betaine has plausible mechanisms and small positive trials in fatty liver disease, but results are inconsistent.
Overview
Verdict
How It Works
Dosing & Protocol
Typical dose
- Recommended dose
- Up to 20 g/day was trialled in NASH under medical supervision; 3 g/day for general use
- Expected timeframe
- 12+ weeks; histological change was not demonstrated
Protocol
- supervision
- High doses used in NASH trials should only be taken under a hepatologist's care
- evidence note
- Verdict is mixed - the promising pilot data did not survive a proper randomised trial
- what happened
- Pilot studies reported improved liver histology in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, but a randomised placebo-controlled trial using high-dose betaine found no significant histological improvement over placebo
- if you still trial it
- 3 g/day in divided doses with meals for 12 weeks, with liver enzymes checked at baseline and week 12
- if you have fatty liver
- Weight loss of 7-10% remains the only intervention with consistent histological benefit, and it is substantially more effective than any supplement
Evidence
What the studies say
No studies are yet linked to both Betaine (TMG) and Liver Protection.
Safety
Caveats
The definitive randomised trial was negative - do not use betaine in place of weight loss, alcohol reduction and metabolic management. High doses raise LDL cholesterol, which matters especially in fatty liver where cardiovascular risk is already the leading cause of death. Do not exceed 3 g/day without medical supervision. Fishy body odour and gastrointestinal upset are common at higher doses. Not established in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Liver disease needs monitoring by a clinician.
Less likely to help if
Medical Disclaimer
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Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.