Taking a supplement called betaine can lower a substance in your blood called homocysteine, which is linked to a higher chance of getting Alzheimer’s—so this supplement might help protect your brain.

People with Alzheimer’s who have low levels of a substance called homocysteine in their blood might respond better to omega-3 supplements than others, and their B vitamin levels could be why.

If you have Alzheimer’s and your blood has high levels of a substance called homocysteine, taking omega-3 fish oil supplements might help your memory and thinking skills a bit—but only if you look at certain tests, not all of them.

Taking betaine, a natural compound found in foods like beets and spinach, can slightly lower a substance in your blood called homocysteine—which, when too high, might be bad for your heart. This suggests betaine helps your body process certain nutrients better.

Taking betaine supplements may raise levels of betaine and some related compounds in your blood, slightly increase your 'bad' cholesterol, and lower a harmful substance called homocysteine — but it’s not clear if this is good or bad for your health.

Taking a daily supplement called betaine (4–6 grams) can quickly lower a substance in your blood called homocysteine—within about a month—and keeping it up keeps the levels low.