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Dobrijević D, Pastor K, Nastić N, Özogul F, Krulj J, Kokić B, Bartkiene E, Rocha JM, Kojić J. Betaine as a Functional Ingredient: Metabolism, Health-Promoting Attributes, Food Sources, Applications and Analysis Methods. Molecules 2023; 28:4824. [PMID: 37375378 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28124824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Betaine is a non-essential amino acid with proven functional properties and underutilized potential. The most common dietary sources of betaine are beets, spinach, and whole grains. Whole grains-such as quinoa, wheat and oat brans, brown rice, barley, etc.-are generally considered rich sources of betaine. This valuable compound has gained popularity as an ingredient in novel and functional foods due to the demonstrated health benefits that it may provide. This review study will provide an overview of the various natural sources of betaine, including different types of food products, and explore the potential of betaine as an innovative functional ingredient. It will thoroughly discuss its metabolic pathways and physiology, disease-preventing and health-promoting properties, and further highlight the extraction procedures and detection methods in different matrices. In addition, gaps in the existing scientific literature will be emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejan Dobrijević
- Faculty of Medicine Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
- Institute for Children and Youth Health Care of Vojvodina, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Kristian Pastor
- Faculty of Technology Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Nataša Nastić
- Faculty of Technology Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Fatih Özogul
- Department of Seafood Processing Technology, Faculty of Fisheries, Cukurova University, 01330 Adana, Turkey
| | - Jelena Krulj
- Institute of Food Technology (FINS), University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Bojana Kokić
- Institute of Food Technology (FINS), University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Elena Bartkiene
- Department of Food Safety and Quality, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
- Institute of Animal Rearing Technologies, Faculty of Animal Sciences, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Tilzes Str. 18, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - João Miguel Rocha
- CBQF-Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina-Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Rua Diogo Botelho 1327, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
- LEPABE-Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- ALiCE-Associate Laboratory in Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jovana Kojić
- Institute of Food Technology (FINS), University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia
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Gregg CR, Hutson BL, Flees JJ, Lowman ZS, Estes KA, Starkey JD, Starkey CW. Evaluation of Increasing Concentrations of Supplemental Choline Chloride on Modern Broiler Chicken Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13091445. [PMID: 37174482 PMCID: PMC10177288 DOI: 10.3390/ani13091445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Choline has been demonstrated to partially substitute methionine in broiler chicken diets due to their interconnected biosynthesis pathways. Yet, research on the impacts of dietary choline supplementation on modern strains of high-yielding broilers is limited. The objective was to evaluate the effect of increasing additions of choline chloride on the performance and carcass characteristics of broilers fed reduced methionine diets and reared under summer environmental conditions. Ross 708 x Yield Plus male broilers were reared for 41 days on used litter in floor pens (n = 2232; 31 birds per pen). Birds were fed one of six corn and soybean meal-based, reduced methionine diets containing 0, 400, 800, 1200, 1600, or 2000 mg of added choline chloride per kg of feed. Diets were provided in three phases. On day 43, 10 birds per pen were processed. Increasing dietary choline resulted in similar body weight gain, reduced feed intake, and improved feed efficiency. Choline chloride supplementation linearly increased both breast and carcass yields while concomitantly increasing the incidence and severity of wooden-breast-affected fillets. These results indicate that supplementing reduced-methionine broiler diets with choline chloride during high environmental temperatures may improve feed efficiency and increase carcass and breast yields but may also increase wooden breast.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline R Gregg
- Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36832, USA
| | - Brittany L Hutson
- Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36832, USA
| | - Joshua J Flees
- Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36832, USA
| | - Zachary S Lowman
- Animal Nutrition and Health Division, Balchem Corporation, New Hampton, NY 10958, USA
| | - Kari A Estes
- Animal Nutrition and Health Division, Balchem Corporation, New Hampton, NY 10958, USA
| | - Jessica D Starkey
- Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36832, USA
| | - Charles W Starkey
- Department of Poultry Science, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36832, USA
- North American Renderers Association, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA
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Yang Z, Yang Y, Yang J, Wan X, Yang H, Wang Z. Hyperhomocysteinemia Induced by Methionine Excess Is Effectively Suppressed by Betaine in Geese. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E1642. [PMID: 32932584 PMCID: PMC7552138 DOI: 10.3390/ani10091642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of our study was to investigate the effects of excess Methionine (Met) on the growth performance, serum homocysteine levels, apoptotic rates, and Bax and Bcl-2 protein levels in geese and to study the role of Bet (betaine) in relieving excess Met-induced hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). In this study, 150 healthy male 14-day-old Yangzhou geese of similar body weight were randomly distributed into three groups with five replicates per treatment and 10 geese per replicate: the control group (fed a control diet), the Met toxicity group (fed the control diet +1% Met), and the Bet detoxification group (fed the control diet +1% Met +0.2% Bet). At 28, 49, and 70 d of age, the geese in the Met toxicity group had significantly lower body weights than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The serum homocysteine levels in geese at 70 d of age in the detoxification group were significantly lower than those in the Met toxicity group (p < 0.05). Compared with the control, Met significantly increased cardiomyocyte apoptosis rates, while Bet reduced them. In conclusion, our results suggest that excess methionine reduces body weight induced by myocardial apoptosis, and Bet can be used to effectively lower plasma homocysteine levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Yang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, China;
| | - Yu Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, China; (Y.Y.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (H.Y.)
| | - Jinjin Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, China; (Y.Y.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (H.Y.)
| | - Xiaoli Wan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, China; (Y.Y.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (H.Y.)
| | - Haiming Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, China; (Y.Y.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (H.Y.)
| | - Zhiyue Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, China;
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, Jiangsu Province, China; (Y.Y.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (H.Y.)
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Impact of osmoregulatory and methyl donor functions of betaine on intestinal health and performance in poultry. WORLD POULTRY SCI J 2019. [DOI: 10.1017/s0043933909000300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Filipčev B, Kojić J, Krulj J, Bodroža-Solarov M, Ilić N. Betaine in Cereal Grains and Grain-Based Products. Foods 2018; 7:foods7040049. [PMID: 29596314 PMCID: PMC5920414 DOI: 10.3390/foods7040049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Betaine is a non-essential nutrient which performs several important physiological functions in organisms. Abundant data exist to suggest that betaine has a potential for prevention of chronic diseases and that its dietary intake may contribute to overall health enhancement. Several studies have pointed out that the betaine status of the general population is inadequate and have suggested nutritional strategies to improve dietary intake of betaine. Cereal-based food has been implicated as the major source of betaine in the Western diet. This review summarizes the results on the betaine content in various cereals and related products. Attention has been given to the betaine content in gluten-free grains and products. It also discusses the stability of betaine during processing (cooking, baking, extrusion) and possibilities to increase betaine content by fortification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojana Filipčev
- Institute of Food Technology, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
| | - Jovana Kojić
- Institute of Food Technology, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
| | - Jelena Krulj
- Institute of Food Technology, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
| | | | - Nebojša Ilić
- Institute of Food Technology, University of Novi Sad, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
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Kojić J, Krulj J, Ilić N, Lončar E, Pezo L, Mandić A, Bodroža Solarov M. Analysis of betaine levels in cereals, pseudocereals and their products. J Funct Foods 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2017.07.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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Effect of equi-molar dietary betaine and choline addition on performance, carcass quality and physiological parameters of pigs. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1017/s1357729800053315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBetaine and its precursor choline were compared in their efficiency in affecting the performance, carcass traits, and liver betaine concentration of growing-finishing pigs. Individually penned Finnish Landrace and Yorkshire pigs and their crosses (30 kg; no. = 70) were offered the basal diet with no added betaine or choline, or the basal diet supplemented with low to moderate doses (250, 500 or 1000 mg/kg) of betaine (Betafin® S1), or with a similar molar amount of choline (578, 1155 or 2310 mg/kg of choline chloride). The maize-soya-bean-meal basal diet was formulated to contain 12·3 MJ/kg digestible energy, 155 g/kg crude protein and 7·4, 4·4 and 4·3 g/kg digestible lysine, threonine and methionine + cystine, respectively. Oat hull meal (100 g/kg) was added to reduce the dietary energy concentration. The pigs were on a restricted feeding level, 1·5 to 3·0 kg food per day (proportionately 0·8 of ad libitum intake) for 75 days. Daily weight gain and food-to-gain ratio improved linearly (P < 0·01) with increasing dietary betaine. Carcass weight increased linearly (P < 0·01) but slaughter loss proportion, backfat and sidefat thicknesses and lean proportions in ham and carcass were unaffected by dietary betaine level. Liver betaine level increased linearly (by up to a proportion of 0·62 in comparison with the control) with dietary betaine addition (F < 0·05) and betaine tended to improve linearly the tensile strength of the proximal ileum (P = 0·07). The presence of choline had no effect on any of these parameters. These results indicate that low to moderate doses of dietary betaine improved the growth and the efficiency of food utilization of growing-finishing pigs. Pigs on betaine diets had heavier carcasses without a relative increase in carcass fat. Choline had no such effects in pigs offered the restricted amount of diet. Liver betaine concentration increased with level of betaine in the diet whereas the betaine precursor choline did not affect hepatic betaine.
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Abstract
Effects of Betaine on Energy Utilization in Growing Pigs - A ReviewOne of the well known biological functions of betaine is that of a methyl donor. Therefore, betaine may partly replace choline and methionine in the diet. Another widely documented role of betaine is to restore and maintain the osmotic balance. As an organic osmotic compound, betaine regulates the water balance, thus exerting a stabilizing influence on tissue metabolism, particularly within the digestive tract. As a donor of methyl groups necessary for various reactions in the body, betaine is indirectly involved in lipid metabolism. Due to its metabolic functions, betaine is also believed to play a significant role in energy metabolism in pigs. Of particular note are the results of experiments in which a positive effect of betaine supplementation was observed as the energy content of the diet was decreased.
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Shin HD, Suh JH, Kim JH, Lee HY, Eom HY, Kim UY, Yang DH, Han SB, Youm JR. Determination of Betaine in Fructus Lycii Using Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography with Evaporative Light Scattering Detection. B KOREAN CHEM SOC 2012. [DOI: 10.5012/bkcs.2012.33.2.553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Bertram HC, Bach Knudsen KE, Serena A, Malmendal A, Nielsen NC, Fretté XC, Andersen HJ. NMR-based metabonomic studies reveal changes in the biochemical profile of
plasma and urine from pigs fed high-fibre rye bread. Br J Nutr 2007; 95:955-62. [PMID: 16611386 DOI: 10.1079/bjn20061761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This study presents an NMR-based metabonomic approach to elucidate the overall endogenous biochemical effects of a wholegrain diet. Two diets with similar levels of dietary fibre and macronutrients, but with contrasting levels of wholegrain ingredients, were prepared from wholegrain rye (wholegrain diet (WGD)) and non-wholegrain wheat (non-wholegrain diet (NWD)) and fed to four pigs in a crossover design. Plasma samples were collected after 7 d on each diet, and 1H NMR spectra were acquired on these. Partial least squares regression discriminant analysis (PLSDA) on spectra obtained for plasma samples revealed that the spectral region at 3·25 parts per million dominates the differentiation between the two diets, as the WGD is associated with higher spectral intensity in this region. Spiking experiments and LC–MS analyses of the plasma verified that this spectral difference could be ascribed to a significantly higher content of betaine in WGD plasma samples compared with NWD samples. In an identical study with the same diets, urine samples were collected, and1H NMR spectra were acquired on these. PLS-DA on spectra obtained for urine samples revealed changes in the intensities of spectral regions, which could be ascribed to differences in the content of betaine and creatine/creatinine between the two diets, and LC–MS analyses verified a significantly lower content of creatinine in WGD urine samples compared with NWD urine samples. In conclusion, using an explorative approach, the present studies disclosed biochemical effects of a wholegrain diet on plasma betaine content and excretion of betaine and creatinine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne C Bertram
- Department of Food Science, Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Box 50, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark.
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Badawy SS, Youssef AFA, Mutair AA. Potentiometric Batch and Flow Injection Analysis of Betaine Hydrochloride. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 97:213-25. [PMID: 17822229 DOI: 10.1002/adic.200790006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Novel PVC membrane electrodes for the determination of betaine ion based on the formation of betaine-tetraphenylborate (Be-TPB) and betaine-phosphotungstate (Be-PT) ion-exchangers as electroactive materials are described. The sensors show a fast, stable, near Nernstian response for 6.92 x 10(-6) to 7.94 x 10(-3) M and 1.0 x 10(-4) to 1.0 x 10(-2) M betaine hydrochloride (Be.Cl) in case of Be-TPB electrode applying batch and flow injection analysis (FIA), respectively, and 2.95 x 10(-5) to 2.26 x 10(-3) M and 3.16 x 10(-5) to 1.0 x 10(-2) M in case of Be-PT electrode for batch and FIA electrodes, respectively, at 25 degrees C over the pH range of 3.5-10 with a cationic slope of 60.2 and 59.1 mV decade(-1) and a fast potential response of < or =15 s. The lower detection limits are 7.94 x 10(-6) and 3.18 x 10(-5) M Be.Cl for Be-TPB and Be-PT electrodes, respectively. Selectivity coefficient data for some common inorganic cations, sugars, amino acids and the components other than betaine, of the mixed drug investigated show negligible interference. The electrodes have been applied to the direct potentiometric determination of betaine hydrochloride in water and in a pharmaceutical preparation under batch and FIA conditions. Potentiometric titrations of Be.Cl with NaTPB and PTA as titrants were monitored with the developed betaine electrodes as an end point indicator electrode. The determination of Be.Cl shows an average recovery of 100.8% with mean relative standard deviation of 0.61%. The effect of temperature on the electrodes was also studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed S Badawy
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
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Eklund M, Mosenthin R, Tafaj M, Wamatu J. Effects of betaine and condensed molasses solubles on nitrogen balance and nutrient digestibility in piglets fed diets deficient in methionine and low in compatible osmolytes. Arch Anim Nutr 2006; 60:289-300. [PMID: 16921926 DOI: 10.1080/17450390600785525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A balance experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of betaine monohydrate (BET) or betaine derived from condensed molasses solubles (CMS) as a substitute for methionine and choline on nitrogen (N) balance and total tract nutrient digestibility in weaned piglets. The experiment included four treatments with 32 barrows with an average initial body weight (BW) of 13.5 kg. The supplementation of DL-methionine and choline (positive control = PC) to the basal diet, which was deficient in methionine and low in compatible osmolytes in the form of betaine or its precursor choline (negative control = NC) resulted in a significant increase in N retention of 0.8 g/d. The substitution of DL-methionine and choline with BET or CMS did not affect N retention compared to the PC and the NC treatment either. Feeding the PC diet increased the digestibilities of organic matter, NDF, ADF, NFE, crude ash, Ca, P, methionine, tryptophan and cystine by 1.9%, 7.3%, 9.7%, 1.1%, 6.3%, 13.9%, 7.7%, 15.9%, 4.3% and 2.8%, respectively, and tended (p < 0.20) to increase the digestibilities of most other amino acids by 1.6-3.4%. Digestibility of CP, EE (HCl), Mg and Na was 3.1% (p=0.09), 5.1% (p=0.09), 5.1% (p= 0.06) and 3.3% (p= 0.17) higher, respectively, when compared to the NC treatment. BET and CMS supplementation increased most nutrient digestibilities in the same magnitude as for the PC treatment. In summary, the supplementation of betaine, originating from different sources, to a diet with low contents of compatible osmolytes increased in particular the fermentation of fibre and enhanced mineral absorption. The supplementation of the NC with DL-methionine was more efficient in improving N retention than the replacement of DL-methionine by betaine originating from BET or CMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike Eklund
- Institute ofAnimal Nutrition, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
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Eklund M, Mosenthin R, Piepho H. Effects of betaine and condensed molasses solubles on ileal and total tract nutrient digestibilities in piglets. ACTA AGR SCAND A-AN 2006. [DOI: 10.1080/09064700600979743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Yagisawa M, Doi Y, Uenohara T, Toda M, Shigematsu N, Nakata R. Betaine supplementation suppresses plasma homocysteine level elevation induced by folate deficiency in rats. Nutr Res 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nutres.2006.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Zeisel SH, Mar MH, Howe JC, Holden JM. Concentrations of choline-containing compounds and betaine in common foods. J Nutr 2003; 133:1302-7. [PMID: 12730414 DOI: 10.1093/jn/133.5.1302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 517] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Choline is important for normal membrane function, acetylcholine synthesis and methyl group metabolism; the choline requirement for humans is 550 mg/d for men (Adequate Intake). Betaine, a choline derivative, is important because of its role in the donation of methyl groups to homocysteine to form methionine. In tissues and foods, there are multiple choline compounds that contribute to total choline concentration (choline, glycerophosphocholine, phosphocholine, phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin). In this study, we collected representative food samples and analyzed the choline concentration of 145 common foods using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Foods with the highest total choline concentration (mg/100 g) were: beef liver (418), chicken liver (290), eggs (251), wheat germ (152), bacon (125), dried soybeans (116) and pork (103). The foods with the highest betaine concentration (mg/100 g) were: wheat bran (1339), wheat germ (1241), spinach (645), pretzels (237), shrimp (218) and wheat bread (201). A number of epidemiologic studies have examined the relationship between dietary folic acid and cancer or heart disease. It may be helpful to also consider choline intake as a confounding factor because folate and choline methyl donation can be interchangeable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven H Zeisel
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health and School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7461, USA.
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Steenge GR, Verhoef P, Katan MB. Betaine supplementation lowers plasma homocysteine in healthy men and women. J Nutr 2003; 133:1291-5. [PMID: 12730412 DOI: 10.1093/jn/133.5.1291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated levels of plasma total homocysteine are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Betaine and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate can remethylate homocysteine into methionine via independent reactions. We determined the effect of daily betaine supplementation, compared with both folic acid and placebo, on plasma concentrations of total homocysteine after an overnight fast and after methionine loading in men and women with mildly elevated homocysteine. Groups of twelve subjects ingested 6 g betaine, 800 micro g folic acid with 6 g placebo or 6 g placebo each day for 6 wk. A methionine-loading test (i.e., ingestion of 100 mg L-methionine/kg body mass) was performed before and after 6 wk of supplementation. Fasting plasma homocysteine decreased by 1.8 micro mol/L (95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.6, 0.0, P < 0.05) in the betaine group and by 2.7 micro mol/L (95% CI: -4.5, -0.9, P < 0.05) in the folic acid group. These changes are relative to the change in the placebo group, in which fasting plasma homocysteine rose by 0.5 micro mol/L. Furthermore, betaine suppressed the total area under the plasma homocysteine-time curve after methionine loading by 221 micro mol. 24 h/L (95% CI: -425, -16, P < 0.05) compared with placebo, whereas folic acid had no effect. In conclusion, betaine appears to be highly effective in preventing a rise in plasma homocysteine concentration after methionine intake in subjects with mildly elevated homocysteine. It is not known whether this potential of betaine to "stabilize" circulating homocysteine concentrations lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gery R Steenge
- Wageningen Centre for Food Sciences, Nutrition and Health Programme, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Klasing KC, Adler KL, Remus JC, Calvert CC. Dietary betaine increases intraepithelial lymphocytes in the duodenum of coccidia-infected chicks and increases functional properties of phagocytes. J Nutr 2002; 132:2274-82. [PMID: 12163675 DOI: 10.1093/jn/132.8.2274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Betaine is used by cells to defend against changes in osmolarity. We examined relationships among betaine, osmolarity and coccidiosis. In the first experiment, chicks were fed corn-soy diets containing 0.0, 0.5 or 1.0 g/kg betaine; half were challenged with Eimeria acervulina (Cocci). Cocci decreased weight gain and feed efficiency and increased the osmolarity of the duodenal and jejunal mucosa (P < 0.01). Betaine decreased osmolarity of the duodenum (P < 0.01), especially in Cocci-challenged birds. Cocci increased the thickness (P = 0.04) of and number (P < 0.01) of leukocytes in the duodenal lamina propria especially at high betaine levels (interaction P = 0.05). Villi height was decreased by Cocci (P = 0.05) and this was ameliorated by 1.0 g/kg betaine (interaction P = 0.04). Intraepithelial leukocyte numbers were increased by Cocci (P < 0.01) especially at 0.5 and 1 g/kg betaine. Peritoneal macrophages or peripheral blood heterophils were incubated in media with an osmolarity of 200, 310, 600 or 900 mOsmol and 0.0, 0.1, 0.5 or 1.5 mmol/L betaine (4 x 4 factorial) for 6 h and then E. acervulina were added. In general, phagocytosis and NO release were decreased and interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6 release were increased in hyperosmotic media compared with isosmotic media. Betaine (0.1 mmol/L) increased NO release by heterophils (P = 0.04) and tended to increase (P < 0.1) NO release from macrophages. The chemotaxis of monocytes toward chemotactic factors released by heterophils was increased by betaine. Increased chemotaxis of monocytes and NO release by macrophages may explain the decreased intestinal pathology but increased leukocyte numbers that were observed when betaine was fed during a Cocci infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- K C Klasing
- Department of Animal Science, University of California, Davis, USA.
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Kettunen H, Tiihonen K, Peuranen S, Saarinen MT, Remus JC. Dietary betaine accumulates in the liver and intestinal tissue and stabilizes the intestinal epithelial structure in healthy and coccidia-infected broiler chicks. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2001; 130:759-69. [PMID: 11691612 DOI: 10.1016/s1095-6433(01)00410-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this experiment was to study the patterns of betaine accumulation into intestinal tissue, liver and plasma of broiler chicks with or without coccidial infection. The chicks were raised on a corn-based, low-betaine diet with or without 1000 ppm betaine supplementation and with or without intestinal microparasite (Eimeria maxima) challenge to the age of 21 days. Plasma, liver, intestinal tissue and digesta of non-challenged (NC) birds and plasma and intestinal tissue of coccidiosis challenged (CC) birds were analysed for betaine content. NC birds were also analyzed for homocysteine in plasma and S-adenosylmethionine (S-AM) in liver. The jejunal epithelium was histologically examined for the presence of coccidia and the crypt-villus ratio was measured. Dietary betaine supplementation decreased the plasma homocysteine concentration but had no effect on liver S-AM of NC birds. The data suggest that chicks on a low-betaine diet accumulate betaine into the intestinal tissue. When the diet was supplemented with betaine, betaine accumulated heavily into liver and to a lesser degree into intestinal tissue. The concentration of betaine in jejunal and ileal digesta was low suggesting that dietary betaine was mainly absorbed from the proximal small intestine. The coccidial challenge decreased the concentration of betaine in the liver, but greatly increased that in the intestinal tissue. The crypt-villus ratio was decreased by the dietary betaine supplementation in healthy and challenged chicks, suggesting that dietary betaine both protects the jejunal villi against coccidial infection and also stabilizes the mucosal structure in healthy broiler chicks. These results support our earlier findings suggesting that betaine is likely to act as an important intestinal osmolyte in broiler chicks.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Kettunen
- Danisco Cultor Innovation, Technology Center, Kantvik, Sokeritehtaantie 20, FIN-02460 Kantvik, Finland.
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