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Beta – Z contains Betaine which is a food enzyme activator that comes
from beets. Beta-Z helps to maintain a healthy liver. Its lipotrophic
agent helps to defat the liver.
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Helps
maintain a healthy liver.
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Helps to
"de-fat" or reduce harmful fatty deposits in the liver.
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Food
enzyme activator that comes from beets.
Betaine, also known as betaine anhydrous or
trimethylglycine (TMG), is a substance made in the body. Betaine is
involved in liver function, cellular reproduction, and helping the body
to make carnitine. It also helps the body metabolize homocysteine, an
amino acid. Betaine is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) to treat a genetic condition where too much homocysteine builds up
in the body. Studies suggest that betaine may help protect against
harmful fatty deposits in the liver. These deposits can be caused by
alcohol abuse, obesity, diabetes, and other causes.
Source: University of Maryland Medical Center
Article from the University of Maryland
Medical Center on Betaine
Betaine, also called betaine anhydrous or
trimethylglycine (TMG), is a substance that’s made in the body, where
it’s involved in liver function, cellular reproduction, and helping make
carnitine. It also helps the body metabolize homocysteine, an amino
acid. Betaine is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
to treat a genetic condition where too much homocysteine builds up in
the body.
Betaine has also been proposed as a way to
lower homocysteine levels in people who don’t have the genetic disease.
That’s because higher levels of homocysteine are associated with heart
disease. But researchers don’t yet know exactly how high levels of
homocysteine and heart disease are related.
Heart Disease
Studies suggest that betaine, along with
vitamins B6 and B12 and folic acid, helps reduce higher levels of
homocysteine. Having high levels of homocysteine is related to a higher
risk of heart disease and stroke. However, scientists don't yet know
whether homocysteine itself is harmful, or whether it is just an
indicator of increased risk for heart disease. Some studies show that
high levels of homocysteine may encourage atherosclerosis (hardening of
the arteries).
Betaine supplements may increase cholesterol
levels, which could work against any treatment for heart disease. If you
are at risk for heart disease, your doctor may test levels of
homocysteine in your blood. Ask your doctor whether taking supplements
of betaine, folic acid, and the B vitamins makes sense for you.
Homocystinuria
Some people have a genetic condition called
homocystinuria, in which homocysteine levels build up in the body. They
are at much higher risk of developing heart disease and osteoporosis as
early as their 20s. Betaine supplements are used to lower levels of
homocysteine in people with this inherited health condition.
Liver Disease
Studies in rats suggest that betaine may help
protect against harmful fatty deposits in the liver. These deposits can
be caused by alcohol abuse, obesity, diabetes, and other causes. A few
studies on people have been positive, but the studies were not all of
good quality. More research is needed.
Dry Mouth. One study found that a toothpaste
containing betaine helped relieve dry mouth.
Dietary Sources: Food sources of betaine
include beets, broccoli, grains, shellfish, and spinach.
Available Forms: Betaine supplements are
manufactured as a byproduct of sugar beet processing. They are available
in powder, tablet, and capsule forms.
How to Take It
Pediatric: Betaine is not recommended
for children unless it is prescribed by your child's health care
provider to treat homocystinuria, a genetic condition.
Adult: Recommended doses of betaine
vary depending on the condition being treated. Ask your health care
provider to help you determine the right dose for you.
Betaine is usually taken with folic acid,
vitamin B6, and vitamin B12.
Precautions: Because of the potential
for side effects and interactions with medications, you should take
dietary supplements only under the supervision of a knowledgeable health
care provider. Most side effects from betaine are mild and include
diarrhea, stomach upset, and nausea. Betaine can raise total cholesterol
levels. People who are overweight, have heart disease, or are at risk
for heart disease should not take betaine without talking to their
health care provider. People with kidney disease should not take
betaine.
Possible Interactions: In people with
kidney disease, betaine may interfere with drugs taken to lower
cholesterol levels in the blood.
Source: University of Maryland Medical Center
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/betaine#ixzz2o1iF63bZ
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