Evidence supporting the use of: Betaine
For the health condition: Athletic and Exercise Aids

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Betaine (also known as trimethylglycine) is used as an ingredient in some athletic and exercise aids, and its use is primarily supported by emerging scientific evidence rather than tradition. Betaine functions as a methyl donor and osmolyte, and it has been investigated for its potential to enhance physical performance, particularly in terms of muscle strength, power output, and body composition. Several randomized controlled trials have shown that betaine supplementation (usually at doses of 2.5 grams per day) may lead to modest improvements in strength, power, and muscle endurance, especially in resistance-trained individuals. For example, some studies have found that betaine can increase bench press repetitions, squat performance, or total training volume. The proposed mechanisms include enhanced cellular hydration, improved methylation reactions, and increased creatine synthesis, all of which could theoretically support exercise performance and recovery.

However, findings are not universally consistent—some studies report no significant benefits, and the magnitude of improvements, when present, is generally small to moderate. Major sports nutrition organizations acknowledge betaine as a supplement of potential interest, but they do not universally recommend it due to the need for more robust and consistent evidence. In summary, while there is notable scientific investigation and some positive findings, the overall evidence base remains moderate in quality and strength.

More about Betaine
More about Athletic and Exercise Aids

Other ingredients used for Athletic and Exercise Aids

7-Keto-DHEA
acetyl l-carnitine
adenosine 5-triphosphate disodium (ATP)
alpha d-ribofuranose
alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG)
amino acids
ashwagandha
astaxanthin
bacillus subtilis
beet
beta-alanine
black tea
bovine
branched-chain amino acids
caffeine
capsaicinoids
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
collagen
colostrum
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
cordyceps
creatine monohydrate
curcumin
eleuthero
ginseng
green tea
guarana
guayusa
l-isoleucine
l-alanine
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-arginine
l-carnitine
l-citrulline
l-glutamine
l-glycine
l-leucine
l-ornithine
l-taurine
l-tyrosine
l-valine
maca
magnesium
maltodextrin
muira puama
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
omega-3 fatty acids
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
peppermint oil
protein
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
rhodiola
black ginger
spirulina
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin C
watermelon
whey protein
suma
jiaogulan
capsicum
bee pollen
cistanche
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
yerba mate
algae
cocoa
brown rice protein
sea salt
1,3,7-Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androst-2-ene
Arginine Alpha Ketoglutarate
Antler
Arginine Creatine
Arginine nitrate
Arachidonic Acid
Arginine malate
Arginine aspartate
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha-ketoisocaproic acid
Agmatine
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
Algal protein
Alpha hydroxyisocaproic acid
Arginine silicate
Bicarbonate
Beef Protein
Bovine Protein
Bulbine natalensis
Ba Ji Tian
BCAA
Camellia sinensis
Coconut
Casein
Cardarine
Capsinoids
Citrate malate
Capsiate
Creatine
D-Aspartic Acid
Dihydrocapsiate
Deer Velvet
D-Ribose
Ephedra
Elk antler
Ecdysteroids
Elthyl-Alpha-Guanido-Methyl-Ethanoate
Ecdysterone
Ephedrine
glucose
Isoleucine
Ketone Salts
Milk Protein
Quinoa Protein
salt
yohimbine

Products containing Betaine

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.