Betaine
[CAS# 107-43-7]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Feed drug additive
• Name: Betaine
• Synonyms: 2-(Trimethylammonio)ethanoic acid hydroxide inner salt; (Carboxymethyl)trimethylammonium hydroxide inner salt; Glycine betaine; Methanaminium; Trimethylammonioacetate
• Molecular Formula: C₅H₁₁NO₂
• Molecular Weight: 117.15
• CAS Registry Number: 107-43-7
• EC Number: 203-490-6
• SMILES: C[N+](C)(C)CC(=O)[O-]

Properties

• Melting point: 301 °C
• Water solubility: 160 g/100 mL

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Risk Statements: 302-H315-H319-H335
• Safety Statements: P261-P305+P351+P338

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2A	H319

Discovery and Applications

Betaine, also known as trimethylglycine, is a naturally occurring compound that plays an important role in biochemistry and various industries. Its unique properties and applications make it the subject of extensive research and commercial interest.

Betaine was first isolated in the 19th century from sugar beets (Beta vulgaris), from which it derives its name. The compound was identified for its ability to help plants tolerate high salinity and drought, a property known as osmoprotection. This initial discovery led to further research into its structure, function, and applications. Betaine is a zwitterionic compound with the chemical formula (CH3)3N+CH2COO-. Its structure consists of a quaternary ammonium group (trimethylated nitrogen) and a carboxylic acid group, which gives it unique solubility and stability. It is highly soluble in water and is stable over a wide pH range.

Betaine is known to play a vital role in the metabolism of homocysteine, an amino acid that has been linked to cardiovascular disease. It acts as a methyl donor during the conversion of homocysteine ​​to methionine, thereby reducing homocysteine ​​levels and associated health risks. Research shows that betaine supplementation can improve liver function and prevent liver diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Its role in lipid metabolism and methylation processes is key to its hepatoprotective effects.

Betaine is popular in the sports nutrition industry for its potential to enhance muscle strength and endurance. Studies have shown that betaine supplementation can improve body composition and physical performance in athletes. In the animal nutrition industry, betaine is used as an additive to improve growth, feed efficiency, and stress tolerance in livestock and poultry. It helps maintain cellular hydration and osmotic balance, thereby improving overall health and productivity.

Betaine is widely used in cosmetics for its moisturizing properties. It retains skin moisture by reducing transepidermal water loss and is a common ingredient in skin care products such as creams, lotions, and serums. In hair care products, betaine is valued for its ability to condition and strengthen hair, improve texture, and prevent damage. It is commonly used in shampoos, conditioners, and styling products.

Betaine is used as a biostimulant in agriculture to enhance plant growth and stress tolerance. It improves the ability of plants to cope with abiotic stresses such as salinity, drought, and extreme temperatures, thereby increasing crop yield and quality.

The versatility of betaine continues to drive research into its applications and benefits. Current research focuses on its potential role in metabolic health, cognitive function, and aging. In addition, advances in biotechnology may lead to more efficient production methods and expand its use in sustainable agricultural and industrial processes.

References

2000. Induction of BGT-1 and amino acid System A transport activities in endothelial cells exposed to hyperosmolarity. American Journal of Physiology. Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology.
DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.2000.279.5.r1580

1994. Production of the Escherichia coli betaine-aldehyde dehydrogenase, an enzyme required for the synthesis of the osmoprotectant glycine betaine, in transgenic plants. The Plant Journal: For Cell and Molecular Biology.
DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-313x.1994.6050749.x

1991. Choline oxidase, a catabolic enzyme in Arthrobacter pascens, facilitates adaptation to osmotic stress in Escherichia coli. Journal of Bacteriology.
DOI: 10.1128/jb.173.2.472-478.1991