MSM, TMG, Dimethyl Glycine

Question 1

Methyl Sulfonylmethane (MSM)

Answer 1

Methyl sulfonylmethane (MSM) is
a source of sulphur used by plants
to create the amino acids, cysteine
and methionine. These amino acids
are a dietary source of sulphur.

Question 2

MSM: Food sources

Answer 2

• Plant food sources: Green leafy
  vegetables, alfalfa sprouts, algae,
  fruits, vegetables, and grains
• Animal sources: Milk (cows).

Question 3

MSM: Therapeutic Uses

Answer 3

Osteoarthritis
Cardiovascular health
Tissue Repair
Immune modulator

Question 4

MSM: Osteoarthritis

Answer 4

• Alone or in combination with glucosamine / chondroitin, it can reduce pain and swelling and improve joint function.
• General anti inflammatory properties by inhibiting the secretion of cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and COX-2.
• Sulphur is a component of cartilage and so exerts a protective effect on cartilage.
• Dosage: 500 mg three times a day.

Question 5

MSM: Cardiovascular health

Answer 5

• MSM reduces homocysteine levels (by donating methyl groups) and reduces lipid peroxidation.
• This protects the vascular
  endothelium from damage.
• Dosage: 3g per day (benefits observed at 28 days).

Question 6

MSM: Tissue Repair

Answer 6

• Decreases oxidative stress and inflammation which helps to repair GI mucosal injury and ↓ chronic GI inflammation.
• Supports tissue healing after an injury (including the skin)
• Can be applied topically to affected skin.
• Dosage: 2g two to three times daily.

Question 7

MSM: Immune modulator

Answer 7

• The immune regulating and antioxidant properties of MSM make it useful for seasonal allergies and ↓ inflammation.
• Studies show that MSM inhibits NF- κB activity, downregulating inflammatory cytokines.
• Dosage: 2.6 g per day for seasonal allergies.

Question 8

MSM: Supplementation

Answer 8

Generally recognised as very safe. Well tolerated up to 4g per day in most patients.

Question 9

MSM: Mild adverse effects

Answer 9

GIT symptoms such as nausea,
diarrhoea and bloating. Other symptoms include headache,
difficulty concentrating and insomnia.

Question 10

Betain/TMG

Answer 10

The chemical form of betaine is trimethyl glycine (TMG) and it occurs naturally in the body. TMG can be formed from choline (tetramethyl glycine).
* TMG serves as a methyl donor, facilitating the conversion of homocysteine to methionine.
* Elevated homocysteine is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease , so betaine can be used therapeutically to
support vascular endothelial health
and prevent atherosclerosis.

Question 11

Homocysteine:

Answer 11

• A biomarker of cardiovascular disease risk, and an indicator of how well an individual is methylating.
• Optimal blood levels are below 9 µmol / L, excess of 14 µmol / L is linked to a high risk of health concerns.

Question 12

Betain: Food Sources

Answer 12

• Plant sources: Beets 1 2 cups per day i.e. 250-500 ml per day) day), wheat bran, quinoa, spinach, sweet potato.
• Animal sources: Seafood, turkey.

Question 13

Betain: Functions

Answer 13

Cardiovascular health
Skeletal muscle performance
Fatty liver disease

Question 14

Betain: Cardiovascular health functions

Answer 14

• Homocysteine can be
  remethylated to methionine by
  betaine homocysteine
  methyltransferase (BHMT).
  This enzyme uses betaine as a methyl donor.

Question 15

Betain: Cardiovascular health Therapeutic Uses

Answer 15

• Cardiovascular disease (i.e.
  atherosclerosis).
• Alzheimer’s.
• Dosage: 6 g daily (3 g twice per day)
• For best results pair with 1 mg of folate daily

Question 16

Betain: Skeletal muscle performance

Answer 16

• Reduces fat mass and increases muscle mass
• Improves muscle endurance, body composition, arm size and bench press work capacity.
• Dosage: 2.5 g daily.

Question 17

Betain: Fatty liver disease

Answer 17

• Betaine has shown that it can improve liver function in those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
• This has been shown by a reduction in liver enzymes, liver size and abdominal pain.
• Dosage: 3 g twice daily.

Question 18

Dimethyl Glycine

Answer 18

Dimethyl glycine (DMG) is trimethyl glycine (betaine) after it has donated one methyl group during the
methylation of homocysteine and only exists for seconds at a time.

Question 19

Dimethyl Glycine: Autism

Answer 19

• In 50% of cases, DMG improves behaviour, eye contact, frustration tolerance and speech. Reduces seizures.
• Preschool age: 65 mg daily with breakfast.
• Older children: 125 mg daily.
• Gradually increase dose to 500 mg for a child and 250-1000 mg for an adult.
• Initial increase in hyperactivity is possible, so lower dose
• DMG is better tolerated than TMG for autistic patients.