Tag: Glycine betaine

First identified in sugar beets (`Beta vulgaris`), the nutrient betaine is most commonly known by its chemical name, trimethylglycine (TMG). This organic compound plays a vital role as a methyl donor and osmolyte in the body, which contributes to overall health.

First discovered in sugar beets in the 19th century, betaine, also known as trimethylglycine (TMG), is a zwitterionic molecule that can be sourced naturally from foods or produced synthetically. This article explores the precise chemical makeup and the varied origins of what is betaine made of, from its natural biosynthesis to its industrial creation.