Betaine for nutraceuticals

Danisco’s betaine is a natural nutrient also known as trimethylglycine (TMG). It can be found in most living things and rich food sources include spinach, wheat and seafood. Betaine can be synthesized in the body and plays several important physiological functions in human metabolism.

Benefits of betaine in foods

Betaine exhibits a wide range of both physiological benefits and functional properties, in areas such as:

• Physical performance
• Liver health
• Oral health
• Cardiovascular health
• Flavour enhancement
• Flavouring
• Humectant
• Taste masking

Various studies suggest that betaine through its osmolyte role plays a key role in protecting against dehydration and stress-related cell water loss. Also, as a methyl donor it is a source of methyl groups, which contribute to many cellular functions. Cells, especially liver cells, produce betaine naturally, but the synthesis may not be high enough to meet the needs for optimal health and performance.

Accordingly, betaine has been shown in some studies to improve athletic performance, especially strength and power. Betaine is also shown to enhance liver function and help to lower homocysteine levels and has been used in number of nutraceutical products for these purposes in some markets.

Application area of betaine

Betaine can be used in:

• Dietary supplements
• Dairy products
• Beverages
• Confectionery
• Bakery
• Pharmaceuticals

Betaine products

Betaine for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical use is sold both in anhydrous and monohydrate forms. Below is a list of products offered.

Product	Benefit	Form	Application
BetaPower™	Health and performance	Anhydrous	Nutraceutical and food
Betafin® BF	Health	Anhydrous	Nutraceutical and food
Betafin® AS	Health	Monohydrate	Pharmaceutical

BetaPower™ and Betafin® BF are available in 20 kg carton boxes with polyethylene inner bag. Betafin® AS is available in 25 kg paper bags.

Raw materials

Betaine is extracted from sugar beet molasses using Danisco’s proprietary technology.