Can a supplement lower a heart disease marker without raising bad cholesterol?
Effects of betaine supplementation on cardiovascular markers: A systematic review and Meta-analysis
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Betaine increased methionine and dimethylglycine (DMG) but didn’t raise triglycerides or HDL—only LDL and total cholesterol.
Many assume if a supplement raises one lipid, it raises them all—this shows it selectively worsens LDL, not HDL or triglycerides, which is unusual.
Practical Takeaways
If taking betaine for homocysteine, stick to ≤4g per day to avoid raising LDL.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Betaine increased methionine and dimethylglycine (DMG) but didn’t raise triglycerides or HDL—only LDL and total cholesterol.
Many assume if a supplement raises one lipid, it raises them all—this shows it selectively worsens LDL, not HDL or triglycerides, which is unusual.
Practical Takeaways
If taking betaine for homocysteine, stick to ≤4g per day to avoid raising LDL.
Publication
Journal
Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition
Year
2021
Authors
D. Ashtary-Larky, R. Bagheri, M. Ghanavati, Omid Asbaghi, G. M. Tinsley, Delsa Mombaini, W. Kooti, S. Kashkooli, A. Wong
Related Content
Claims (4)
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.
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 up to 4 grams of betaine a day might help lower a harmful blood chemical called homocysteine without making your cholesterol or fats go up—but taking more than that could raise your cholesterol and fats.
Taking betaine supplements doesn't seem to make a noticeable difference in your blood fats, sugar, inflammation, liver health, or blood pressure — at least not in most adults.