Improvement after a supplement is not the same as a comparative result
Start with the comparison. A before-and-after change alone cannot isolate the contribution of an ingredient.
Betaine
Nutrient status
Human studies reported a change with no confirmed comparison group in homocysteine; while Studies with an unspecified organism reported a change with no confirmed comparison group in homocysteine.
Single-ingredient studies · Human studies · Population not specified · comparator not confirmed
Publications for this result: 2
Other outcomes and study details
Distinct publications linked to this topic: 14
- Study conditions differ; results are shown descriptively and are not pooled.
What has been studied?
Distinct human comparison papers: 3
Some studies tested several ingredients together. Those results cannot show this ingredient’s separate effect or establish synergy.
Fasting plasma homocysteine
- Comparison result:A better result than the comparison group was reported.General population · Single ingredient · 6 weeks
Measurement and study conditions
- Controlled human study
- Controlled trial
- Single ingredient
- General population
- Primary outcome
- Between-group comparison
- Timepoint: 6 weeks
- Study comparison: Betaine versus placebo for fasting plasma homocysteine after overnight fast
homocysteine
Other human research, including observational studies and reviews
- A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.Single ingredient
Measurement and study conditions
- Controlled human study
- Randomized trial
- Single ingredient
- Unspecified population
- Outcome role not specified
- Timepoint: unspecified
- Study comparison: unspecified
Research with unclear study subject or type
- A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.General population · Single ingredient
Measurement and study conditions
- Meta-analysis
- Meta-analysis
- Single ingredient
- General population
- Biomarker
- Study subject not identified
- Timepoint: unspecified
- Study comparison: Betaine supplementation versus study comparators across included studies; dose subgroup findings wer
Homocysteine concentration
Other human research, including observational studies and reviews
- A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.Patient group · Single ingredient
Measurement and study conditions
- Controlled human study
- Randomized trial
- Single ingredient
- Patient group
- Outcome role not specified
- Timepoint: unspecified
- Study comparison: unspecified
Plasma homocysteine concentration
- Comparison result:A better result than the comparison group was reported.Combination study
Measurement and study conditions
- Controlled human study
- Randomized trial
- Ingredient combination
- Unspecified population
- Outcome role not specified
- Between-group comparison
- Timepoint: unspecified
- Study comparison: unspecified
- Comparison result:A better result than the comparison group was reported.Single ingredient
Measurement and study conditions
- Controlled human study
- Randomized trial
- Single ingredient
- Unspecified population
- Outcome role not specified
- Between-group comparison
- Timepoint: unspecified
- Study comparison: unspecified
Other measured outcomes (3)
post-methionine load tHcy
Research with unclear study subject or type
- A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.Deficiency group · Single ingredient
Measurement and study conditions
- Review
- Review
- Single ingredient
- Deficiency group
- Biomarker
- Study subject not identified
- Timepoint: unspecified
- Study comparison: review-level summary of betaine supplementation and post-methionine load
tHcy
Other human research, including observational studies and reviews
- An association was observed. This does not establish that the ingredient caused the change.General population · Single ingredient
Measurement and study conditions
- Observational study
- Observational study
- Single ingredient
- General population
- Biomarker
- Comparison unclear
- Timepoint: unspecified
- Study comparison: individual betaine intake; combined betaine+choline had only a weak trend
total area under the plasma homocysteine-time curve after methionine loading
- Comparison result:A better result than the comparison group was reported.General population · Single ingredient · 6 weeks
Measurement and study conditions
- Controlled human study
- Controlled trial
- Single ingredient
- General population
- Secondary outcome
- Between-group comparison
- Timepoint: 6 weeks
- Study comparison: Betaine versus placebo after methionine loading
This result is held for interpretation. That does not mean research found no effect.
Outcome groups needing additional review (2)
- homocysteine concentrations · Distinct papers needing additional review: 1Direction unclear: 1
- increased plasma homocysteine · Distinct papers needing additional review: 1Evidence criteria check: 1
One paper can appear under multiple measured outcomes or review reasons, so these counts should not be added together.
Research topics to explore
Research topics to explore
Review findings reported in each research area.
Topics with more linked papers appear first.
- View selected result
Nutrient status
Related papers 14 · human comparison papers 3
- View results
Glucose and metabolic health
Related papers 5 · human comparison papers 1
- Body fat percentage · Improvement reported
- blood glucose concentrations · Interpretation held
More outcome groups: 3
- View results
Exercise performance
Related papers 4 · human comparison papers 2
- repetitions · Improvement reported
- ∆IGF-1 · Improvement reported
More outcome groups: 1
- View results
Blood lipids
Related papers 2 · human comparison papers 1
- LDL cholesterol · Worsening reported
- View results
Stress and mood
Related papers 2 · comparison findings need further review
- Depression · Interpretation held
- View results
Blood pressure and vascular health
Related papers 1 · comparison findings need further review
- systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) · Some studies included patients or people with a deficiency · Comparison details unconfirmed
- View results
Fatigue and energy
Related papers 1 · comparison findings need further review
- fatigue · Comparison details unconfirmed
- View results
Men's health
Related papers 1 · human comparison papers 1
- Testosterone level · Improvement reported
Data coverage and detailed study classifications
Paper counts are separated by research topic below. One paper may contribute to multiple findings.
Analysis status: Public-ready
Ingredient analysis date:
How the grade was determined: B
The 62.7 evidence score includes 3 independent human studies and 3 clinical studies in the representative benefit area. The B tier remains conservative because of the evidence centers on contextual or measured outcomes rather than general-use effects, limited repetition across independent human clinical studies.
The grade is based mainly on the research area with the most evidence. It does not mean the same result was found in other areas.
Papers linked to this ingredient overall: 60
Papers linked to this topic 14 · distinct papers 14 · papers with a confirmed human comparison 3 · papers needing additional review 6
Ingredient-wide papers, topic-linked papers, and sources in outcome groups use different scopes. Adding source counts may count the same paper more than once.
- Fasting plasma homocysteine: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 1
- homocysteine: Sources represented in this measurement group: 2 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- Homocysteine concentration: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- homocysteine concentrations: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- increased plasma homocysteine: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- Plasma homocysteine concentration: Sources represented in this measurement group: 2 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 2
- post-methionine load tHcy: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- tHcy: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 0
- total area under the plasma homocysteine-time curve after methionine loading: Sources represented in this measurement group: 1 · Distinct papers with human comparisons for this outcome: 1
Nutrient status
What the research found
Fasting plasma homocysteine
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · General population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
plasma homocysteine concentration
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · Unspecified population
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Plasma homocysteine concentration
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Unspecified population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
total area under the plasma homocysteine-time curve after methionine loading
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · General population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
tHcy
An association was observed. This does not establish that the ingredient caused the change.
Observational study · Single ingredient · General population
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
homocysteine
A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Unspecified population
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
homocysteine
A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.
Meta-analysis · Single ingredient · General population
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Homocysteine concentration
A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Patient group
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
post-methionine load tHcy
A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.
Review · Single ingredient · Deficiency group
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
homocysteine concentrations
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · General population
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
increased plasma homocysteine
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Review · Single ingredient · Patient group
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Unspecified population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Patient group
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Unspecified population
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Other evidence · Unknown intervention · Patient group
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Glucose and metabolic health
What the research found
Body fat percentage
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Unspecified population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
risk of T2D
An association was observed. This does not establish that the ingredient caused the change.
Observational study · Unknown intervention · General population
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
risk of type 2 diabetes
An association was observed. This does not establish that the ingredient caused the change.
Observational study · Unknown intervention · General population
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
serum glucose concentrations
An association was observed. This does not establish that the ingredient caused the change.
Observational study · Single ingredient · Patient group
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
blood glucose concentrations
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Animal study · indirect · Single ingredient · General population
This finding comes from animal or cell research. It does not establish the same effect in people.
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Exercise performance
What the research found
back squat
A change was reported before and after use. Its cause cannot be isolated.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · General population
Within-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
repetitions
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · General population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
∆IGF-1
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · General population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Controlled study in people · Ingredient combination · Patient group
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Blood lipids
What the research found
LDL cholesterol
The study reported worsening in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Unspecified population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Meta-analysis · Single ingredient · Unspecified population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Review overlap with primary papers is unknown; counts stay separate.
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Stress and mood
What the research found
Depression
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Other evidence · Single ingredient · Unspecified population
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Unspecified measured outcome
The study needs further checking before its result can be interpreted.
Other evidence · Ingredient combination · Patient group
Several ingredients were used together. This does not establish the effect of this ingredient alone or synergy.
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
1 papers held from direction counts
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Blood pressure and vascular health
What the research found
systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP)
An association was observed. This does not establish that the ingredient caused the change.
Observational study · Unknown intervention · Patient group
The comparison could not be confirmed.
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Fatigue and energy
What the research found
fatigue
A change was reported, but the comparison could not be confirmed.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Unspecified population
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
Men's health
What the research found
Testosterone level
The study reported improvement in this measurement.
Controlled study in people · Single ingredient · Unspecified population
Between-group comparison
Analysis coverage and paper counts
1 paper · 1 measured outcome
Direction counts are distinct papers within each row. Outcome contributions count endpoint results, so one paper may contribute more than once.
How to read research findings
How should I read research findings?
Research guidesNo clear difference and an uninterpretable result are different
A reported null comparison contains a result. An abstract without an interpretable comparison leaves a question unresolved.
Paper counts and study counts are different
Count original research separately from research that reanalyzes it. Publication volume is neither replication nor a quality rating.
Side effects and combination findings
Findings from this ingredient alone are shown separately from those involving another supplement or medication.
Caution findings
1
Findings from individual and combined use, plus reviewed cautions
Key precautions
No reviewed caution rules are available yet. Reported caution findings are shown below.
These findings were reported in studies. They do not predict an individual's experience.
Findings to review with care
Side effects reported for the ingredient alone are separated from findings involving another supplement or medication.
Side effects reported with this ingredient alone
Symptoms or adverse events reported in studies without another active ingredient.
ALT1 papers
Betaine at doses of 2–8 g/day for 12–24 weeks significantly reduced ALT and other liver injury markers in 70 participants with MASLD, with mild transient GI symptoms reported in ~35 %.Human studies · Randomized controlled trial