Milk thistle and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) have dominated the spotlight as supplements to support liver function. However, studies show that trimethylglycine, or betaine, also has lipotropic effects (it helps the liver break down fats). For example, animal and human clinical studies indicate that betaine protects the liver from chemical- and alcohol-induced damage, elevates liver SAMe levels, and improves symptoms of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).1-3
Betaine functions as a "methyl donor" within the methionine cycle, as do SAMe, choline, folic acid and vitamin B12. It is closely related to choline. Methyl groups are required for liver function, cellular replication, and detoxification.