Evidence supporting the use of: Betaine Anhydrous
For the health condition: Fatty Liver Disease
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Betaine anhydrous has some scientific basis for its use in supporting or treating fatty liver disease, particularly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and, historically, alcoholic liver disease. Betaine is a methyl donor involved in the metabolism of homocysteine and the synthesis of S-adenosylmethionine, important for liver function. Its potential benefit in fatty liver disease stems from its ability to promote the export of fat from the liver, thus potentially reducing steatosis (fat accumulation).
Several small clinical trials and animal studies have investigated the effects of betaine supplementation in patients with fatty liver disease. Early studies (e.g., Abdelmalek et al., 2001; Miglio et al., 2000) suggested that betaine might improve liver enzymes and reduce hepatic fat content. However, more recent and rigorous studies, including randomized controlled trials, have shown mixed results. For example, a well-designed trial by Abdelmalek et al. (2009, Gastroenterology) found no significant benefit of betaine over placebo in improving liver histology in patients with NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis).
Meta-analyses and reviews conclude that while betaine is mechanistically plausible and safe, the clinical evidence is not strong enough to recommend it as a standard therapy for fatty liver disease. Therefore, its use is supported by scientific rationale and some preliminary data, but larger and more definitive studies are needed, and current clinical guidelines do not endorse its regular use for this condition.
Other ingredients used for Fatty Liver Disease
akkermansia muciniphilaalgal oil
alpha-glycosyl isoquercitrin
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
anthocyanins
arjun tree
artichoke
astaxanthin
banaba
barberry
barley
beet
berberine
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium longum
black garlic
sesame
branched-chain amino acids
butyrate triglyceride
canola oil
catechins
caterpillar mushroom
cauliflower
chia seed
chicory
chlorella
chokeberry
choline
conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
turmeric
curcumin
cyclodextrin
dandelion
diallyl disulfide (DADS)
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fenugreek
fiber blend (proprietary)
fish oil
fish protein
flavonols
flaxseed
ginger
grape
hesperetin
kelp
l-carnitine
l-glutathione
l-methionine
l-taurine
lecithin
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
marine lipid
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
milk thistle
naringin
niacin (vitamin B3)
nicotinamide riboside
oleanolic acid
oleic acid
olive
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-9 fatty acids
palmitoleic acid
perilla
phenolic acids
phosphatidylcholine
phospholipids
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
butyric acid
psyllium
reishi mushroom
resveratrol
silymarin
spirulina
tocotrienols
trans-pterostilbene
tributyrin
trimethylglycine (TMG)
triphala
Urolithin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
seaweed
mulberry
zinc
β-nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN)
jiaogulan
enicostemma littorale
punarnava
picrorhiza kurroa
lingzhi
morus
ferulic acid
ganoderma
polyphenols
anemarrhena asphodeloides
coix
nopal
algae
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
ashitaba
4-hydroxyisoleucine
7,14-Hydroxy-Docosapentaenoic Acid
Arjuna
Apigenin
Aronia melanocarpa
Antrodia camphorata
Avocado
Ascophyllum nodosum
Acacetin
Alpha-Lipoic Acid
Astragaloside
Adzuki bean
Ampelopsin
Algal protein
Alisma
Arabinoxylan
Argan nut oil
Anemarrhena
alpha Methyl Tetradecylthioacetic Acid
Apocynin
Arjunolic acid
Borotutu
Brutieridin
Brown Algae
Brassica
Berberis (unspecified)
Baicalein
Blakeslea trispora
Betanin
Bifidobacteria
bile acid
Baicalin
Carqueja
Chebulic acid
Camelina Oil
Coriander
chlorogenic acid
Cynarin
Cruciferous
Chitin-Glucan Complex
Caulerpa okamurae
Copalchi
Curcuma
Corilagin
Crocetin
Cynaropicrin
corosolic acid
Carnosic acid
Diallyl sulfide
Danshen
Dihydromyricetin
DL-Methionine
Decursin
D-Pinitol
Diosgenin
Dithiolthiones
epicatechin
Eriocitrin
Ergothioneine
Erythrodiol
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Eucommia ulmoides
Fiber
Rhubarb
walnut
Zucchini
Other health conditions supported by Betaine Anhydrous
Athletic and Exercise AidsFat Metabolism (poor)
Fatty Liver Disease
Muscle Tone (lack of)
Triglycerides (high)