Dietary supplement: betaine

Betaine is a vegetable substance extracted from beets. It is described as having the property of aiding digestion and fighting the accumulation of fat in the liver.

European health authorities’ decision
In 2012, European health authorities (European Food Safety Authority, European Food Safety Authority and European Commission) commented on some health claims for dietary supplements containing betaine or beet root extracts. Products containing betaine may claim to contribute to metabolism normal homocysteine If and only if They contain at least 500 mg of betaine per serving, and if the label tells the consumer that a beneficial effect is only observed from a daily intake equal to or greater than 1.5 grams of betaine. In addition, the label should state that daily consumption of betaine in excess of 4 grams may increase blood levels cholesterol. After reviewing the scientific data, they considered that these products cannot Not Claim : Promote digestion and detox, relieve gastrointestinal discomfort, or improve the intestinal flora by decreasing the microorganisms potentially responsible for digestive disorders ; Support the immune system. These claims about the effect are now banned from products containing betaine or beetroot extracts.

European health authorities’ decision

In 2012, European health authorities (European Food Safety Authority, European Food Safety Authority and European Commission) commented on some health claims for dietary supplements containing betaine or beet root extracts.

Products containing betaine may claim to contribute to metabolism normal homocysteine If and only if They contain at least 500 mg of betaine per serving, and if the label tells the consumer that a beneficial effect is only observed from a daily intake equal to or greater than 1.5 grams of betaine. In addition, the label should state that daily consumption of betaine in excess of 4 grams may increase blood levels cholesterol.

After reviewing the scientific data, they considered that these products cannot Not Claim :

- Promote digestion and detox, relieve gastrointestinal discomfort, or improve the intestinal flora by decreasing the microorganisms potentially responsible for digestive disorders ;
- Support the immune system.

These claims about the effect are now banned from products containing betaine or beetroot extracts.

Purported uses and properties of betaine

Homocystinuria is an inherited condition in which patients fail to convert homocysteine (A .). Amino acid) for cysteine, which leads to a buildup of homocysteine in the blood and urine. Betaine, in combination with vitamins B6, B9 and B12 are used for relief symptoms of this rare disease. Recently, European health authorities have disavowed this use for nutritional supplement, their dosage and quality are less well controlled than those medicinal products that have received marketing authorization for the treatment of homocystinuria (see below).

Betaine is also offered in digestive disorders, to treat certain liver problems and to accompany a diet aimed at lowering blood levels. Triglyceride (Fat in the blood). It is sometimes offered to protect the liver of alcoholics.

How effective is betaine?

Betaine may help lower homocysteine levels in people with homocystinuria. It received European marketing authorization as an orphan drug for the treatment of homocystinuria in 2007.

The effectiveness of betaine in digestive or liver problems as well as in the treatment ofIncreased blood lipids, on the basis of older studies, is now in question. Recent data is in animals, but has not extended to humans.

Precautions to take with betaine

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take betaine. People prone to or suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (heartburn)ulcer can see them symptoms It gets worse when you take betaine.

The side effects The most common are nausea and diarrhea.

Origin, forms and dosage of betaine

Betaine is extracted from beets in Sugar (Beta vulgaris). It is available as dissolved granules, effervescent tablets or oral solutions. Dosages vary depending on the drug.

The opinion of a specialist in the two houses
Betaine citrate is one of the best-selling medicines in France to relieve digestive problems. Its use should not become a habit. In the event of frequent digestive problems, consult your doctor.

European health authorities’ decision
In 2012, European health authorities (European Food Safety Authority, European Food Safety Authority and European Commission) commented on some health claims for dietary supplements containing betaine or beet root extracts. Products containing betaine may claim to contribute to metabolism normal homocysteine If and only if They contain at least 500 mg of betaine per serving, and if the label tells the consumer that a beneficial effect is only observed from a daily intake equal to or greater than 1.5 grams of betaine. In addition, the label should state that daily consumption of betaine in excess of 4 grams may increase blood levels cholesterol. After reviewing the scientific data, they considered that these products cannot Not Claim : Promote digestion and detox, relieve gastrointestinal discomfort, or improve the intestinal flora by decreasing the microorganisms potentially responsible for digestive disorders ; Support the immune system. These claims about the effect are now banned from products containing betaine or beetroot extracts.

European health authorities’ decision

After reviewing the scientific data, they considered that these products cannot Not Claim :

- Promote digestion and detox, relieve gastrointestinal discomfort, or improve the intestinal flora by decreasing the microorganisms potentially responsible for digestive disorders ;
- Support the immune system.

These claims about the effect are now banned from products containing betaine or beetroot extracts.

The opinion of a specialist in the two houses
Betaine citrate is one of the best-selling medicines in France to relieve digestive problems. Its use should not become a habit. In the event of frequent digestive problems, consult your doctor.