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Re: Betaine TMG?SAMe precursor/dosage?

Posted by Danny on August 29, 2000, at 23:29:23

In reply to Re: Betaine TMG?SAMe precursor/dosage?, posted by Sunnely on August 29, 2000, at 23:03:54

> > I've been through almost all of the newer AD's and I've found that SAMe works pretty well, but is expensive. I read that betaine TMG is a precursor to SAMe and I've located some, but I'm unsure about dosages/possible overdosage etc. Any help greatly appreciated.
>
> Danny,
>
> There are at least two Betaine products. One is known as Betaine Anhydrous, US brand name is Cystadane, and the scientific name is trimethylglycine (TMG) anhydrous. The other Betaine product is called Betaine Hydrochloride, also known as Betaine HCl, scientific name is trimethylglycine (TMG) hydrochloride.
>
> 1. BETAINE ANHYDROUS:
>
> Betaine Anhydrous or trimethylglycine (TMG) anhydrous is taken orally for HOMOCYSTINURIA caused by a deficiency or defect of one or more of the following: cystathionine beta-synthetase, 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, or cobalamin cofactor. It is also used orally for homocytinuria not responsive to pyridoxine.
>
> Homocysteine is a naturally occuring chemical that may be as harmful to blood vessels as cholesterol. Folate (folic acid) and vitamin B6 destroy homocysteine by "methylating" it -attaching one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms to it. This makes homocysteine harmless. Recent studies have found that vitamin B6 and folate can help prevent heart disease, apparently by lowering homocysteine levels in the blood.
>
> After this discovery, great interest developed in other substances that can methylate homocysteine. Chemicals of this type are called "methylating agents." SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) is one; trimethylglycine (TMG) is another. However, research into this subject is still in its infancy.
>
> Safety: Betaine Anhydrous is an FDA-approved prescription product for oral use. There is insufficient reliable information available regarding its use in pregnancy and lactation.
>
> Effectiveness: When use appropriately (for homocystinuria), it is usually effective.
>
> Mechanism of Action: In homocystinuria, betaine anhydrous acts as a methyl group donor in the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine and reduces blood homocysteine levels to 20-30% of the pretreatment levels. Elevated homocysteine blood levels are associated with clinical problems such as cardiovascular thrombosis, osteoporosis, skeletal abnormalities, and optic lens dislocation. Blood levels of homocysteine were decreased in nearly all patients treated with betaine anhydrous.
>
> Adverse Reactions: Betaine anhydrous can cause nausea, gastrointestinal distress, and diarrhea.
>
> Possible Interactions with Herbs and Other Dietary Supplements: Insufficient reliable information available.
>
> Possible Interactions with Drugs & Foods: No interactions are known to occur.
>
> Typical Dosages: For homocystinuria, taken orally, 3 grams is typically taken twice daily in adults and children.
>
> NOTE: The medical conditions betaine anhydrous is used for require diagnosis and treatment by a physician.
>
> 2. BETAINE HYDROCHLORIDE:
>
> Also known as Betaine HCL. Scientific name is trimethylglycine (TMG) hydrochloride.
>
> This product is used as a supplemental source of hydrochloride acid, to treat hypokalemia (low potassium), and as a liver protectant.
>
> Safety: There is insufficient reliable information about the safety of betaine hydrochloride. Avoid using in pregnancy and lactation.
>
> Efffectiveness: There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness of betaine hydrochloride.
>
> Possible Mechanism of Action: Insufficient reliable information.
>
> Adverse Reactions: Theoretically, betaine hydrochloride can irritate ulcers or impede healing by increasing stomach acid; avoid using in patients with stomach or duodenal ulcers.
>
> Typical Dosages: Taken orally. People typically use 325 to 650 mg daily after a meal that contains protein. Do not take on an empty stomach.
>
> WARNING: Avoid confusion with betaine anhydrous. Betaine is manufactured in various salt forms around the world, including betaine hydrochloride. The purity and potency of these dietary supplement products can vary. There are no data to support the efffectiveness of betaine hydrochloride in any condition, including homocystinuria. Use only the FDA-approved betaine anhydrous for the treatment of homocystinuria.
>
> Are you sure you want to take this product for depression?
>
> References:
>
> 1. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database 2000, Therapeutic Research Faculty, Stockton, CA.
>
> 2. Drug Information Handbook For Psychiatry 1999-2000 by MA Fuller, PharmD, and M Sajatovic, MD. Lexi-Comp, Cleveland, OH.

Excellent information Sunnely, thank you very much.


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