Welcome to another edition of the Doctor’s Note where we talk about what’s on our minds when it comes to your health. In this week’s podcast, I talked about two supplements that you need to know about called Glycine and Trimethylglycine (TMG). They’re different, and I explain how in the podcast.
Both of these supplements are misunderstood. I’ve been taking Trimethylglycine (TMG) for years because I have a mutation in the MTHFR gene (checked on our Cleveland Heart Panel) and a high homocysteine level before I started taking supplements for it. In addition to TMG, I also take Vitamin B6, Methylfolate, and Methyl B12.
Taking TMG has really helped me. It’s definitely protecting my heart and vasculature.
Below are my Notes from this week’s podcast on Glycine and TMG.
Homocysteine
- Homocysteine is a very important marker of vascular inflammation. Having a high homocysteine level is as detrimental as having a high cholesterol level, in my opinion. It’s also a risk factor for cognitive impairment, depression, Parkinson’s Disease, miscarriages, blood clots, renal dysfunction, and even mouth sores.
- Homocysteine increases C-Reactive Protein, which is the most important inflammatory marker out there. It’s amazing to me that most doctors don’t check homocysteine levels. Some don’t even know what it is.
- Homocysteine triggers proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and increases oxidative stress on the endothelial lining of your arteries. Remember the famous quote, “You’re only as old as your arteries.”
- High homocysteine levels usually result from mutations in what we call the MTHFR gene (methylation gene). These mutations are very common. You need this checked! When you have mutations of this gene it results in lower levels of B12, B6, and B9 (folate). It’s treatable with B vitamins. You also probably need to add Trimethylglycine (TMG) in there, as well, which also lowers homocysteine levels. I was taking Methylated B-complex, but I didn’t get my homocysteine levels to where I wanted them until I added TMG.
Other Benefits of TMG and Glycine
- Builds collagen.
- Good for transmitting nerve impulses and cleaving toxins from the body (like alcohol). It’s very good for inducing that phase 1 liver detox system.
- Lowers your blood pressure.
- Decreases your risk of obesity.
- Helps you sleep (glycine part of it).
- Reduces muscle loss.
- Decreases histamine which helps for not only allergy symptoms, but gut symptoms as well.
- Decreases your sugar level, so it’s good for preventing diabetes.
- Protects your mitochondria and decreases cancer rates (especially plain Glycine).
The Difference Between Glycine and TMG (Trimethylglycine)
- Glycine and TMG are amino acids.
- Glycine buffers excess methylation, while TMG donates groups to support methylation.
- Glycine is more relaxing. Take this at night. A lot of people take glycine with NMN at night to help them relax and sleep.
- TMG is more energizing. Take TMG in the morning.
- They’re not antagonistic towards each other.
How To Take TMG (Trimethylglycine)
- TMG is an amino acid commonly found in beets and leafy greens.
- TMG donates methyl groups. What it does is converts this inflammatory amino acid, called homocysteine, into methionine, which is much safer and better for you.
- Most people take about 2.5 to 3 grams of this a day.
- I like to divide TMG into two doses: One in the morning and one in the early afternoon because it’s energizing. I split the dose, and I take about two and a half (sometimes three), depending on how many I have on board.
- TMG might slightly increase your cholesterol levels if you take more than 4 grams of it, which you don’t need to do.
- Side effects: Hardly ever see any. You could get a little stomach upset if you took too much.
TMG is Also Known as Betaine
- TMG comes from choline. This is a very important nutrient that makes acetylcholine and phosphatidylcholine, which you think about building proteins and breaking down cholesterol. These are also neurotransmitters important for brain health.
- TMG is also known as betaine. Think beets.
- There are two types of betaine. TMG is Betaine Anhydrous. When you take Betaine Hydrochloride, which is what we talk about using for increasing your stomach acid, it’s totally different. Think betaine (hydrochloride) challenge test to see if you have enough stomach acid. Important difference!
Final Thoughts
- Before taking any supplement, ask yourself if you really need it. Do you need to spend money on this?
- If I had low stomach acid, I would take betaine hydrochloride.
- I would take Glycine if I wanted to relax, sleep better, protect my mitochondria, and decrease cancer rates.
- Get homocysteine level checked.
- Check the MTHFR gene.
- There are different reasons to take TMG versus Glycine. You can take both.
- TMG is way more protective than most people realize.
As always, do your own research.
Stay educated. Stay healthy.
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