Herbs & Supplements:
TMG (Trimethylglycine)

Supplement Forms / Alternate Names
  • Betaine*
Principal Proposed Uses
  • There are no documented uses for TMG.
Other Proposed Uses
  • Reducing Homocysteine Levels, Liver Protection, Substitute for SAMe, Performance Enhancement

*Similar to betaine hydrochloride, but not identical

TMG (trimethylglycine) has been available for decades. Recently, it has drawn attention as a possible treatment for elevated homocysteine levels.

Homocysteine is a naturally occurring chemical that may be as harmful to blood vessels as cholesterol. Folate and vitamin B₆ destroy homocysteine by "methylating" it—attaching one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms to it. This makes homocysteine harmless. Studies have found evidence that vitamin B₆ and folate might 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; TMG is another. However, research into this subject is still in its infancy.

After TMG has done its work on homocysteine, it is turned into another substance, dimethylglycine (DMG). In Russia, DMG is used extensively as an athletic performance enhancer; however, TMG is cheaper and may have the same effects (if any).

Sources

TMG is not required in the diet because the body can manufacture it from other nutrients. Grains, nuts, seeds, and meats contain small amounts of TMG. However, most TMG in food is destroyed during cooking or processing, so food isn't a reliable way to get a therapeutic dosage.

Some manufacturers will tell you that DMG is identical to TMG, but this isn't true. DMG is not a methylating agent, so it can't have any effect on homocysteine.

Therapeutic Dosages

There hasn't been enough research to establish the optimal therapeutic dosage of TMG. One manufacturer recommends using between 375 and 1,000 mg daily.

Therapeutic Uses

One small study suggests that TMG may lower homocysteine levels,¹ which might be helpful for those with atherosclerosis.

TMG may also help protect the liver against the effects of alcohol, perhaps by stimulating the formation of SAMe.^2,3,4 Additionally, it may be useful for other purposes for which SAMe is used, although this has not been proven.

DMG (the substance TMG changes into in the body) has been extensively used as a performance enhancer by Russian athletes, and has recently become popular among American athletes. However, one small study suggests that it does not work.⁵

Safety Issues

TMG appears to be safe. However, the maximum safe dosages for young children, pregnant or nursing mothers, or those with severe liver or kidney disease have not been established.

Last reviewed March 2002 by Medical Review Board

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