Betaine (trimethylglycine) reliably lowers blood homocysteine and shows a moderate signal for greater maximal strength—especially lower body—when paired with training. Fat loss, broad anti-inflammatory effects, and fatty-liver tissue improvement remain weak or conflicted. Gut intolerance and possible cholesterol rise at multi-gram doses warrant labs. Best as a targeted tool at modest doses, not a general longevity remedy. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Total homocysteine | Often ~5–9 µmol/L in prevention-oriented practice; lab upper limits commonly ~12–15 µmol/L | Primary betaine-responsive methylation marker |
| LDL cholesterol | Often <100 mg/dL (<70 mg/dL in higher atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk) | Detect betaine-associated LDL rise |
| Total cholesterol | Contextual with apoB/LDL; many aim <200 mg/dL conventionally | Captures total cholesterol rise seen at higher doses |
| Apolipoprotein B | Often <90 mg/dL general; lower in high risk | Better particle-risk marker if lipids shift |
| Vitamin B12 | Mid-upper reference often preferred (e.g., >400–500 pg/mL) | Avoid missing deficiency while lowering homocysteine via betaine path |
| Folate (serum or red blood cell) | Within lab reference; red blood cell folate reflects longer-term status | Folate path works in parallel with betaine |
| Methylmalonic acid | Within lab reference (method-specific) | Specific functional B12 marker when status is unclear |
| ALT / AST | Within lab reference; functional focus on low-normal | Liver context if metabolic disease present |
| eGFR / creatinine | eGFR ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m² typical ideal; manage if <60 | Renal handling and dosing caution |
Cadence: Baseline lipids, homocysteine, and B12/folate before start; recheck lipids and homocysteine at 6–12 weeks after a stable dose, then every 6–12 months if continuing long term—or sooner after dose changes