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TMG Benefits: An Energy You Have Never Experienced Before

Are you feeling tired all the time? Do you think you don't have much energy left to pass the day? Then, you are not alone. Fatigue is certainly one of the most common issues affecting the global population (1). Fortunately, science has successfully found dietary supplements with good human evidence for improved physical performance and several other benefits that can make your body young and vibrant. TMG - Trimethylglycine or Betaine - is one of those anti-aging supplements (2). Even though you can get some of it through your diet, supplements can exponentially boost TMG benefits.

So, let's find out what exactly happens in your body when you make it a part of your daily dietary regimen.

What is TMG?

TMG or Trimethylglycine, as the name indicates, contains an amino acid glycine, which is further attached to three methyl groups. It is a natural compound that is present in our body and is known to play a role in several important reactions of the body.

One of the primary functions of TMG is to donate methyl groups. Methylation is a crucial biochemical process involved in various bodily functions, including the regulation of gene expression, detoxification, neurotransmitter synthesis, and more (3). By providing methyl groups, TMG supports these processes.

TMG also plays a role in the metabolism of homocysteine, an amino acid linked to heart health (4). It also has antioxidant properties, meaning it helps neutralize harmful free radicals in the body (5). At first, these processes seem too much to digest but don't worry. In the next paragraphs, we will discuss in detail how each and every reaction associated with TMG benefits the human body.

Top Science-Backed TMG Benefits

Different food items you eat regularly, such as beets, spinach, and whole grain bread, contain Betaine in low quantities, which is usually not enough for maximum TMG benefits. That's why we need supplements.

Here, we will discuss how taking TMG supplements counts as doing your body a favor in the long run.

Physical Performance

There are several proposed mechanisms that explain how TMG improves physical performance.

According to research findings, it provides a methyl group to a precursor molecule present within the human body, leading to increased creatine concentration in the skeletal muscles (6). Creatine is the immediate energy source for muscle activity. Therefore, it helps improve performance, especially in high-intensity activities when an immediate supply of energy is needed.

Research has also indicated that daily ingestion of 500mg of TMG increases muscle strength and muscle gain, particularly due to its role as a promoter of myofibril synthesis. Myofibril is a protein involved in constructing the architecture of most of the muscle bulk (7).

The real game begins when we look at the findings of a systematic review that investigates several human clinical trials. Two of these seven trials reported increased physical performance after using TMG supplements. In contrast, five trials reported no significant benefits. However, one finding is common among all seven trials—the whole array of TMG benefits is enhanced when combined with physical activity like high-intensity workouts (2).

So, one thing is clear: if you just sit idle on the sofa after taking the TMG supplements, it's not going to work. You must combine it with high-energy-demand situations such as resistance training or exercises for maximum benefits.

For example, a 2021 human clinical trial of professional players found that TMG supplements improved one rep max, VO2 max, and sprinting performance. Compare that to trials that rely on TMG supplements alone without exercise, and we see no benefits (8).

Cognitive Performance

It's not just improved muscle performance that makes TMG so special. Incredibly, this unique product has the potential to boost your cognitive performance, too! So, it would not be an exaggeration if I say that TMG is a supplement for both your mind and body.

Let's break it down for you. 

When we look at the findings of a systematic review, it becomes obvious that blood homocysteine (Hcy) levels are a strong predictive factor for developing dementia. Therefore, it can be anticipated that lowering levels of Hcy is a promising preventive strategy against diseases associated with cognitive declines, such as Alzheimer's disease (9).

That's where TMG comes to the rescue. 

TMG has three methyl groups, which help convert Hcy into methionine. Research has confirmed the association of TMG with reduced blood Hcy levels, too (10). Although this seems too simple in theory, the findings of clinical trials speak otherwise. 

For example, a research trial indicated that compounds that lower Hcy levels, such as B vitamins, didn't significantly affect cognition (11). But don't be disheartened, as researchers have found the real reason behind this. Another recent human trial was conducted, which showed significant improvement in cognition when lowered levels of Hcy were combined with several multivitamins and nutrients like omega 3 (12). 

Now, it's time to break the ice. 

"Just like exercise was needed for maximum TMG benefits on physical performance, it is clear that you also need a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals to see maximum TMG benefits on cognition and brain function."

Heart Health

It seems that Hcy doesn't only affect your brain; it is also a key indicator of your heart health, and high levels lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, by reducing Hcy, TMG also protects your heart against damage and improves the overall health of this vital organ (4).

Liver Health

TMG plays a crucial role in supporting liver health by promoting the metabolism of fats and facilitating the removal of toxins from the liver. It helps in preventing the accumulation of fat in the liver, which is associated with various liver conditions, such as fatty liver disease (13).

Synergistic Effects with Other Anti-Aging Supplements

TMG supplements have shown the potential to enhance the effectiveness of other anti-ageing supplements like NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide). It supports methylation processes in the body, which can amplify the benefits of NMN and boost NAD+ levels to promote cellular energy and vitality. Together, TMG and NMN create a synergistic effect, enhancing the body's ability to combat aging at a cellular level. This combination may lead to improved overall health, increased energy levels, and potentially slower aging processes, offering a promising approach to anti-aging supplementation.

How Long Does It Take for TMG Benefits to Kick In?

The time it takes for TMG (Trimethylglycine) benefits to kick in can vary from person to person. Some individuals may start experiencing improvements in energy levels, mood, and overall well-being within a few days to a couple of weeks of consistent use. However, for others, it may take several weeks or even months to notice significant benefits, depending on factors such as dosage, individual biochemistry, and the specific health conditions being targeted.

What is the Best Time to Take TMG?

The best time to take TMG (Trimethylglycine), also known as Betaine, can vary depending on individual needs and goals. However, many people find it beneficial to take TMG with meals, as it aids in digestion and can help optimize its absorption. Additionally, since TMG is often used to support methylation processes in the body, some individuals may prefer taking it in the morning to support energy levels throughout the day.

Where Can You Find One?

Buying dietary supplements comes with a great responsibility. Taking a poorly manufactured and uncertified supplement can do your body more harm than good, and you certainly don't want that. 

So, what exactly can you do in that case? 

You should look for products that have undergone rigorous testing and are manufactured by an FDA-registered facility to ensure purity and effectiveness. However, finding a product with this top-quality checklist is often arduous. That's why we are here for you. 

At Live Longer, you get highly processed and FDA-certified TMG supplements that promise you a sturdy body for the years to come. So, why the wait? Do yourself a favor and buy one to say goodbye to feeling tired all the time once and for all. 

References

  1. Graindorge C, Baysson H, Pullen N, Schrempft S, Zaballa ME, Stringhini S, et al. Prevalence of fatigue in the general population during the pandemic: cross-sectional study in Geneva. European Journal of Public Health. 2023;33(Supplement_2):ckad160.1278.
  2. Ismaeel A. Effects of Betaine Supplementation on Muscle Strength and Power: A Systematic Review. J Strength Cond Res. 2017;31(8):2338-46.
  3. Menezo Y, Clement P, Clement A, Elder K. Methylation: An Ineluctable Biochemical and Physiological Process Essential to the Transmission of Life. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(23).
  4. Dobrijević D, Pastor K, Nastić N, Özogul F, Krulj J, Kokić B, et al. Betaine as a Functional Ingredient: Metabolism, Health-Promoting Attributes, Food Sources, Applications and Analysis Methods. Molecules. 2023;28(12).
  5. Heidari R, Niknahad H, Sadeghi A, Mohammadi H, Ghanbarinejad V, Ommati MM, et al. Betaine treatment protects the liver by regulating mitochondrial function and counteracting oxidative stress in acute and chronic animal models of hepatic injury. Biomed Pharmacother. 2018;103:75-86.
  6. Hoffman JR, Ratamess NA, Kang J, Rashti SL, Faigenbaum AD. Effect of betaine supplementation on power performance and fatigue. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2009;6:7.
  7. Cholewa JM, Wyszczelska-Rokiel M, Glowacki R, Jakubowski H, Matthews T, Wood R, et al. Effects of Betaine on body composition, performance, and homocysteine thiolactone. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2013;10(1):39.
  8. Nobari H, Cholewa JM, Castillo-Rodríguez A, Kargarfard M, Pérez-Gómez J. Effects of chronic betaine supplementation on performance in professional young soccer players during a competitive season: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2021;18(1):67.
  9. Yu JT, Xu W, Tan CC, Andrieu S, Suckling J, Evangelou E, et al. Evidence-based prevention of Alzheimer's disease: systematic review and meta-analysis of 243 observational prospective studies and 153 randomized controlled trials. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2020;91(11):1201-9.
  10. McRae MP. Betaine supplementation decreases plasma homocysteine in healthy adult participants: a meta-analysis. J Chiropr Med. 2013;12(1):20-5.
  11. Clarke R, Bennett D, Parish S, Lewington S, Skeaff M, Eussen SJ, et al. Effects of homocysteine lowering with B vitamins on cognitive aging: meta-analysis of 11 trials with cognitive data on 22,000 individuals. Am J Clin Nutr. 2014;100(2):657-66.
  12. Baker LD, Manson JE, Rapp SR, Sesso HD, Gaussoin SA, Shumaker SA, et al. Effects of cocoa extract and a multivitamin on cognitive function: A randomized clinical trial. Alzheimer's & Dementia. 2023;19(4):1308-19.
  13. Arumugam MK, Paal MC, Donohue TM, Jr., Ganesan M, Osna NA, Kharbanda KK. Beneficial Effects of Betaine: A Comprehensive Review. Biology (Basel). 2021;10(6).

 

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