Trimethylglycine (also known as Betaine) is more specifically N,N,N-trimethylglycine and is an organic compound with a structure similar to choline and a betaine. The molecular structure is (CH₃)₃NCH₂COOH as a cation with either the carboxylic acid as the anion (loss of proton) or another anion present. The difference is that choline (trimethylaminoethanol) has been reduced from a terminal carboxylic acid to a hydroxyl group. If Trimethylglycine donates one of its methyl groups, then it becomes dimethylglycine.

Alkylated derivates of Trimethylglycine have use as quaternary ammonium zwitterionic surfactants.

Therapeutic uses

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Betaine hydrochloride is used as a digestive aid; it is particularly helpful in persons with insufficient acid production in the stomach. It is sometimes given as a nutritional supplement, or used for the treatment of high homocysteine levels.Holm PI, Ueland PM, Vollset SE, Midttun O, Blom HJ, Keijzer MB, den Heijer M. (2005) Betaine and folate status as cooperative determinants of plasma homocysteine in humans. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 379-85. PMID 15550695

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