Betaine supplementation modulates mitochondrial and redox-related adaptations in premenopausal women with overweight: a randomized controlled trial.
Emilia Zawieja, Monika Młodzik-Czyżewska, Agata Chmurzynska
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial examined whether eight weeks of betaine supplementation (3 g/d) affected mitochondrial-associated and redox measures in premenopausal women with overweight or obesity. Compared with placebo, betaine produced a greater pre-to-post change in citrate synthase concentration in peripheral blood mononuclear cells: the between-group difference in change was 102.3 μg/mg protein (95% CI 3.19 to 201.4). Plasma catalase activity also increased significantly only in the betaine group. No significant effects were reported for cytochrome c oxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, or oxidized glutathione.
Key findings
- The between-group difference in change in PBMC citrate synthase concentration was 102.3 μg/mg protein (95% CI 3.19 to 201.4).
- Plasma catalase activity showed a treatment × time interaction (p = 0.003, ηp 2 = 0.213) and increased significantly only with betaine.
- No significant effects were observed for cytochrome c oxidase (p = 0.326), superoxide dismutase (p = 0.825), glutathione peroxidase (p = 0.359), or oxidized glutathione (p = 0.693).
Why it matters
The findings suggest that betaine may affect selected mitochondrial-associated and antioxidant measures, rather than producing broad changes across the redox markers assessed. These outcomes are laboratory measures, and the study does not establish whether the observed changes translate into meaningful physiological or clinical benefits.
What to keep in mind
The study assessed selected cellular and plasma biomarkers over eight weeks; their physiological significance remains uncertain.