{"id":10848,"date":"2025-12-30T20:02:05","date_gmt":"2025-12-30T19:02:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/everydaybetter.nl\/how-does-tmg-work\/"},"modified":"2026-10-12T23:52:38","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T21:52:38","slug":"tmg","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/everydaybetter.nl\/en\/supplements-for-healthy-aging\/tmg\/","title":{"rendered":"How does TMG work?"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”4%” bottom_padding=”2%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]\n

What is TMG? Mechanism, benefits, dosage, and research<\/h1>\n
\n

Short answer:<\/strong> TMG (trimethylglycine<\/strong>), also called betaine<\/strong> or betaine anhydrous, is a natural methyl donor found in foods such as beets, spinach and whole grains. Via the enzyme BHMT it helps convert homocysteine into methionine<\/strong>. In human studies, betaine supplements of 1.5 to 6 g per day lowered fasting plasma homocysteine by about 12\u201320% versus placebo (Olthof et al., 2003<\/a>), and a meta-analysis found an average reduction of 1.23 \u00b5mol\/L at 4 g per day or more (McRae, 2013<\/a>). In the EU, betaine may carry the health claim that it contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism, based on an intake of 1.5 g per day. TMG is not the same as betaine HCl, which is used as a digestive acid supplement.<\/p>\n

Effects on concrete health outcomes beyond homocysteine are less well established and differ per application.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

TMG in brief<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Question<\/th>\nShort answer<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
What is TMG?<\/strong><\/td>\nTrimethylglycine, also known as betaine.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How does TMG work?<\/strong><\/td>\nTMG can donate methyl groups and is involved, among other things, in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine via the BHMT pathway.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is methylation?<\/strong><\/td>\nA collective term for biochemical reactions in which a methyl group is transferred.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Does TMG occur in food?<\/strong><\/td>\nYes. Betaine is found in beets, spinach, quinoa, and various grain products, among others.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the correct dosage?<\/strong><\/td>\nThat depends on the goal, product, and context. Research dosages and supplement dosages vary.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Is TMG the same as betaine?<\/strong><\/td>\nTrimethylglycine is the compound also called betaine. Do not confuse this with betaine HCl, which has a different use.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”4%” bottom_padding=”4%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][nectar_image_with_hotspots image=”10819″ preview=”https:\/\/everydaybetter.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/tmg-betaine-bhmt-homocysteine-methionine-pathway.jpg” color_1=”Accent-Color” hotspot_icon=”plus_sign” tooltip=”hover” tooltip_shadow=”none”][nectar_hotspot left=”45%” top=”60%”]TMG can donate a methyl group within the BHMT pathway, where homocysteine is converted to methionine.[\/nectar_hotspot][\/nectar_image_with_hotspots][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]\n

What is TMG (trimethylglycine)?<\/h2>\n

TMG<\/strong> stands for trimethylglycine<\/strong>. The substance is usually called betaine<\/strong> in scientific literature.<\/p>\n

The name trimethylglycine refers to the chemical structure: a glycine compound with three methyl groups. TMG can function as a methyl group donor<\/strong> in the body.<\/p>\n

A well-known function of betaine is its involvement in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine<\/strong>. Additionally, betaine functions as an osmolyte<\/strong>: a substance that can help cells regulate their fluid and osmotic balance.<\/p>\n

TMG occurs naturally in the body and in various foods. Additionally, trimethylglycine is available as a dietary supplement.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#001c21″ scene_position=”center” top_padding=”5%” bottom_padding=”5%” text_color=”light” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-3-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][nectar_icon icon_family=”iconsmind” icon_style=”soft-bg” icon_color_type=”color_scheme” icon_color=”Accent-Color” icon_padding=”10px” pointer_events=”all” icon_iconsmind=”iconsmind-Cube-Molecule” icon_size=”40″ margin_bottom=”25″][vc_column_text]\n

1. TMG donates a methyl group<\/h3>\n

TMG contains three methyl groups and can function as a methyl group donor<\/strong> within certain biochemical reactions.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-3-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left-right” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][nectar_icon icon_family=”iconsmind” icon_style=”soft-bg” icon_color_type=”color_scheme” icon_color=”Accent-Color” icon_padding=”10px” pointer_events=”all” icon_iconsmind=”iconsmind-Next-Music” icon_size=”40″ margin_bottom=”25″][vc_column_text]\n

2. BHMT uses TMG<\/h3>\n

The enzyme betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT)<\/strong> uses a methyl group from betaine in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-3-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][nectar_icon icon_family=”iconsmind” icon_style=”soft-bg” icon_color_type=”color_scheme” icon_color=”Accent-Color” icon_padding=”10px” pointer_events=”all” icon_iconsmind=”iconsmind-Plates” icon_size=”40″ margin_bottom=”25″][vc_column_text]\n

3. Methionine back in the cycle<\/h3>\n

Methionine can then be used in the formation of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)<\/strong>, an important methyl group donor in numerous reactions in the body.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”5%” bottom_padding=”5%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”right” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]\n

How does TMG work in the body?<\/h2>\n

One of the best-known mechanisms of TMG occurs via the BHMT pathway<\/strong>. BHMT stands for betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase<\/em>.<\/p>\n

In this reaction, betaine transfers a methyl group to homocysteine<\/strong>. This allows homocysteine to be converted to methionine<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Simplified, this pathway looks like this:<\/p>\n

TMG (betaine) + homocysteine
\n\u2193 BHMT
\nmethionine<\/strong><\/p>\n

Methionine then becomes part of a larger network of reactions in which SAMe<\/strong>, among others, is formed and used.<\/p>\n

This mechanism is biochemically well-described. However, this does not automatically mean that extra TMG leads to a noticeable health benefit for every healthy person.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”padding-4-percent” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”left” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”10818″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row type=”full_width_background” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” bg_color=”#f6f6f6″ scene_position=”center” top_padding=”5%” bottom_padding=”5%” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]\n

What is methylation and what role does TMG play?<\/h2>\n

Methylation<\/strong> is the transfer of a methyl group from one compound to another. Such reactions take place constantly and are involved in diverse biological processes.<\/p>\n

TMG plays a specific role in this as a methyl group donor within the BHMT pathway<\/strong>. This is not the only pathway by which homocysteine can be converted to methionine.<\/p>\n

TMG versus folate and vitamin B12<\/h3>\n

Folate (vitamin B9) and vitamin B12 are also involved in the remethylation of homocysteine, but via a different biochemical pathway.<\/p>\n

Simplified:<\/p>\n