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Betaine Anhydrous (TMG)

Cellular hydration and methylation support

Science and Ingredients — Formulation Research

This entry documents the biological mechanisms, human research, and formulation rationale for ingredients used in Steady Energy. Content is provided for transparency and educational purposes, not marketing.


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Diagram illustrating how cellular osmolytes (amino acids, polyols, methylamines, and urea) manage osmotic stress, maintain cell volume, and protect proteins and organelles under different salt conditions.

Category


Osmotic balance and metabolic resilience


Why it's included


To support cellular hydration, osmotic balance, and metabolic processes during prolonged physical and environmental stress.



What it is


Betaine, also known as trimethylglycine (TMG), is a naturally occurring compound found in foods such as beets, spinach, and whole grains. In human physiology, betaine functions as both an osmolyte and a methyl donor.


Unlike electrolytes that act primarily in extracellular fluid, betaine supports intracellular water balance, helping cells maintain function under stress.



Mechanism of action


Osmolyte function


Betaine acts as an organic osmolyte, meaning it helps cells regulate internal water content and protect against dehydration and osmotic stress. This role is particularly relevant during heat exposure, sweating, and prolonged physical activity.


Methyl donor role


Betaine participates in one-carbon metabolism by donating methyl groups used in biochemical reactions. This supports processes related to homocysteine metabolism and cellular maintenance.


These roles are metabolic and protective, not stimulatory.



Evidence overview


  • Betaine is well-established as an intracellular osmolyte


  • Human studies show betaine supports cellular hydration under stress


  • Betaine contributes to methylation pathways relevant to metabolic health


  • Performance research suggests context-dependent benefits during physical exertion



Why this matters for long workdays


Physical labor, heat exposure, and dehydration stress cells at the intracellular level. When cells lose water or osmotic stability, fatigue and performance decline can follow even if fluid intake appears adequate.


Supporting intracellular hydration complements electrolyte intake and helps maintain cellular function across long, demanding shifts.



Role in Steady Energy


Betaine anhydrous is included to support cellular hydration and metabolic resilience alongside sodium, magnesium, and energy metabolism ingredients.


This reinforces Steady Energy’s design philosophy: sustained performance through physiology, not overstimulation.



References


Human studies and peer-reviewed research are cited where available.


  1. Craig SAS. Betaine in human nutrition. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2004.

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Craig+SAS+Betaine+in+human+nutrition


  2. Lever M, Slow S. The clinical significance of betaine, an osmolyte with a key role in methyl group metabolism. Clinical Biochemistry, 2010.

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Lever+Slow+clinical+significance+of+betaine


  3. Kempson SA et al. Osmoregulation by betaine transport in mammalian cells. Physiological Reviews, 2014.

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Kempson+osmoregulation+betaine+transport


  4. Hoffman JR et al. Effect of betaine supplementation on power performance and fatigue. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 2009.

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Hoffman+betaine+supplementation+performance



This ingredient profile is part of the Steady Energy formulation research series.


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