Trimethylglycine, also known as TMG or Betaine, helps the liver in the processing of estrogen metabolism.  As we age we lose our ability to "methylate".   Methylation in the liver enables our body to process waste products, metabolites, and chemicals for elimination. This process occurs in several phases.  First and second phase is conversion,  third phase is processing to the intestines for elimination.(Phase 3 is helped by taking Calcium D-Glucarate which is discussed in a different newsletter). In Phase I when the liver processes estrogen, it converts into several forms of estrogen, known as 2-OH estrone, 4-OH estrone, and 16-OH estrone. The healthier form is 2-OH estrone.  In Phase 2, the body then methylates this for elimination. TMG assists in this methylation.  Failure of the liver to methylate estrone for elimination will overload the 2-OH estrone pathway and force estrogen metabolism down the 16-OH estrone pathway. The 16-OH estrone is a potent estrogen metabolite thought to be linked to mutagenic changes in DNA that can enhance cancerous potential.  Additionally, 16-OH estrone changes that way the body metabolizes carbohydrates, and forces it into fat deposition. This process occurs in men as well as women.  Recent medical literature has implicated the change in a man's estrogen metabolism to be a possible initiator of prostate cancer, as well as one of the changes that lead to Metabolic Syndrome. 

 

 

 Women that are pregnant or nursing, or children need to discuss these supplements wth their OB/GYN or Pediatrician prior to starting