TMG

Trimethylglycine (TMG) supplements

Trimethylglycine (TMG is a chemical naturally found in various types of food, such as beets and wheat germs. TMG is also sometimes called betaine. TMG has some interesting properties and is able to fulfil different functions in our body. Read more about the chemical and about TMG supplements here.

What does TMG do in our body?

The human body produces TMG using choline.

Choline is a chemical that’s found in different foods like eggs, liver, fish, and wheat germs. Our body can turn choline into a different chemical, namely trimethylglycine, shortened to TMG. This is done by adding a small extra part to choline, a process called methylation. This means that a methyl group is being added to choline.

TMG is really a special form of choline. It’s similar, but has a little extra something. It should also be said that not all choline in our body is turned into TMG, only part of it is.

TMG can change even further. It can receive a second extra part, which lends it the name dimethylglycine, shortened to DMG. This is a different chemical than TMG.

TMG is considered a ‘methyl donor’. Methyl is a small compound that exists of one carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms. It’s a kind of building block that exists in many molecules. Methyl groups can bind themselves to other molecules and thus change the structure and function of those molecules.

A methyl donor is a compound that’s able to bind smaller parts, methyl groups, to other compounds in the body. These methyl groups have an important role in various processes in our body. They can help activate or deactivate certain genes and help to produce important molecules.

TMG is considered a source and donor of these methyl groups.

TMG and homocysteine

One of the most important roles TMG has is the regulating of homocysteine values in the body. Homocysteine is an amino acid that naturally exists in the body. Having too much of it in your body can cause health issues. Through the donation of methyl groups, TMG helps to convert homocysteine into other compounds. These are compounds which the body will use for other purposes, so they’re not damaging.

TMG supplements

TMG naturally occurs in different types of food. It’s found most commonly in eggs, but also in beets, spinach, grains, and seeds. Furthermore, our body can turn choline into TMG.

Then do we really need TMG supplements?

Oftentimes the supplements are a welcome addition because not everyone eats TMG-rich foods as often as others. Other people need more TMG than the average person because of bodily conditions, or because their metabolism has slowed down. This can happen due to ageing, for example. In those cases, TMG supplements can help to fulfil your body’s needs.

TMG supplements are also very easy to dose (which means that you know exactly how much of it you’re consuming) and our body absorbs it well.

Always ensure a basis of a healthy diet with varied food intake. Supplements are an addition to that, not a replacement of it.