Quick Answer
Betaine Supplementation Resistance Training Meta-Analysis has evidence relevant to benefits, uncertainty, and practical interpretation, but conclusions should stay close to the cited sources. One representative finding is: Results Significant main effects of time were found for changes in lean mass (2.4 ± 1.8 kg), muscle thickness (0.13 ± 0.08 cm), vertical jump (1.8 ± 1.6 cm), squat 1RM (39.8 ± 14.0 kg), and bench press 1 RM (9.1 ± 7.3 kg); however, there were no significant interactions.
Key Takeaways
- 01Results Significant main effects of time were found for changes in lean mass (2.4 ± 1.8 kg), muscle thickness (0.13 ± 0.08 cm), vertical jump (1.8 ± 1.6 cm), squat 1RM (39.8 ± 14.0 kg), and bench press 1 RM (9.1 ± 7.3 kg); however, there were no significant interactions. [Cholewa JM (2018)]
- 02A trend (p = .056) was found for greater weekly training volumes for betaine versus placebo. [Cholewa JM (2018)]
- 03Significant interactions were found for changes in body fat percentage and fat mass: body fat percentage and fat mass decreased significantly more in betaine (- 3.3 ± 1.7%; - 2.0 ± 1.1 kg) compared to placebo (- 1.7 ± 1.6%; - 0.8 ± 1.3 kg), respectively. [Cholewa JM (2018)]
- 04Background Betaine supplementation has been shown to improve body composition and some metrics of muscular performance in young men; but, whether betaine enhances body composition or performance in female subjects is currently unknown. [Cholewa JM (2018)]
The current Migaku evidence database contains 2 reusable source documents for Betaine Supplementation Resistance Training Meta-Analysis. This answer focuses on benefits, uncertainty, and practical interpretation.
- Results Significant main effects of time were found for changes in lean mass (2.4 ± 1.8 kg), muscle thickness (0.13 ± 0.08 cm), vertical jump (1.8 ± 1.6 cm), squat 1RM (39.8 ± 14.0 kg), and bench press 1 RM (9.1 ± 7.3 kg); however, there were no significant interactions. [Cholewa JM (2018); evidence level 2]
- A trend (p = .056) was found for greater weekly training volumes for betaine versus placebo. [Cholewa JM (2018); evidence level 2]
- Significant interactions were found for changes in body fat percentage and fat mass: body fat percentage and fat mass decreased significantly more in betaine (- 3.3 ± 1.7%; - 2.0 ± 1.1 kg) compared to placebo (- 1.7 ± 1.6%; - 0.8 ± 1.3 kg), respectively. [Cholewa JM (2018); evidence level 2]
- Background Betaine supplementation has been shown to improve body composition and some metrics of muscular performance in young men; but, whether betaine enhances body composition or performance in female subjects is currently unknown. [Cholewa JM (2018); evidence level 2]
- Results Regardless of the intervention group, choline was elevated after 3 months, while cysteine and methionine remained elevated after 6 months (mixed model time effects, p Conclusion Choline metabolites, including choline, betaine and dimethylglycine, were central to the co-regulation of 1C metabolism and cardiometabolic health in older adults. [Gillies NA (2021); evidence level 4]
Evidence levels are sorting aids, not final clinical grades. Level 1 usually indicates systematic-review style evidence, level 2 indicates randomized trials or public-health guidance, and lower levels need more cautious wording.
This page is educational. People with medical conditions, pregnancy, medication use, or unusual symptoms should ask a qualified clinician before changing supplements, medication, or treatment routines.
Sources
- The effects of chronic betaine supplementation on body composition and performance in collegiate females: a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial.
- Nutritional supplementation alters associations between one-carbon metabolites and cardiometabolic risk profiles in older adults: a secondary analysis of the Vienna Active Ageing Study.