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Long-term effect of betaine on risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome in healthy subjects

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 65, pages 70–76 (2011)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Background/Objectives:

To examine the effects of betaine on serum lipid profile, plasma homocysteine concentration and hemostatic factors in healthy subjects.

Subjects/Methods:

Altogether, 63 volunteers (27±8 years, body mass index 22.6±2.4 kg/m2) participated in a placebo-controlled, randomized, parallel double-blinded study. The intervention lasted for 6 months during which the subjects consumed mineral water 500 ml/day with (betaine group, n=32) or without (control group, n=31) a 4-g betaine supplementation.

Results:

There was a significant interaction of time and group (general linear model) in serum total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol concentrations and total-to-high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol ratio without a significant difference between or within the groups. Concentrations of serum HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides or oxidized LDL did not change during the study. Plasma homocysteine concentration did not change in either of the groups. Plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 concentration increased in the betaine group (P=0.028) and decreased in the control group (P=0.006). There was a significant interaction of time and group (general linear model) in plasma fibrinogen and blood hemoglobin concentration without a significant difference between or within the groups. There were no changes in parameters regarding the function of the liver or kidney.

Conclusions:

Betaine had no effect on serum lipid profile in long term in young healthy subjects. The lowering effect on plasma homocysteine concentration was weak.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by Danisco Ltd., Espoo, Finland.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio Campus, Kuopio, Finland

    U Schwab & M Uusitupa

  2. Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland

    U Schwab

  3. National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finlan, d

    G Alfthan & A Aro

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  1. U Schwab
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  2. G Alfthan
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  4. M Uusitupa
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Correspondence to U Schwab.

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Schwab, U., Alfthan, G., Aro, A. et al. Long-term effect of betaine on risk factors associated with the metabolic syndrome in healthy subjects. Eur J Clin Nutr 65, 70–76 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/ejcn.2010.230

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