Methylation & Health:
Methylation is a natural biologic process by which homocysteine, a toxic amino acid and major health risk, is converted to methionine, a beneficial amino acid. Recent studies suggest that enhanced methylation may be more effective than antioxidants in combating the effects of aging. Research has correlated high levels of homocysteine with many serious disease states. It is also interesting that our ability to metheylate decreases with age. Supplements, along with diet and lifestyle factors appear to be the most effective way to enhance methylation. Since it is difficult to obtain the recommended amounts of methyl donors through diet alone, supplementation should be considered.
Trimethylglycine (TMG), also known as betaine, is the best known dietary source of methyl donors. TMG is a natural phytochemical extracted from sugar beets. Other important co-factors in methylation are folic acid, Vitamins B12 and B6.
Athletic benefits associatted with enhanced methylation:
Athletes have additional reasons to consider TMG supplementation. Both endurance and strength athletes have higher demands for dietary protein. Increasing protein unfortunately increases homocysteine levels. TMG can be used to combat this effect. TMG may have other beneficial qualities. In animal tests, TMG has been shown to increase muscle mass, reduce body fat, and even increase bone density. Furthermore, TMG becomes dimethylglycine after donating one methyl group in the process of neutralizing homocysteine. Dimethylglycine is another performance enhancing supplement that has been widely sold in the U.S. and abroad.
Jarrow Formulas TMG & Methyl Donors:
Research suggests that using methyl donors in combination may be more effective them using them alone. For this reason we offer Jarrow Formulas Methyl Donors. In addition to TMG, Methyl Donors contains significant amounts of Vitamin B6, B12, folic acid and intrinsic factor to enhance methylation.
Each Jarrow Formulas Homocysteine PF tablet contains:
Trimethylglycine (TMG) - 500mg
Vitamin B6 - 15mg
Vitamin B12 - 250mcg
Folic Acid - 400mcg
Intrinsic Factor - 10mg
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