The major role of betaine in plants and microorganisms is to protect cells against osmotic inactivation. Exposure to drought, high salinity, or temperature stress triggers betaine synthesis in mitochondria. It results in its accumulation in the cells. Betaine acts as an osmolyte that increases the water retention of cells, replaces inorganic salts, and protects intracellular enzymes against osmotically-induced or temperature-induced inactivation
Betaine is an osmoprotectant. It protects our cells against dehydration by acting as an osmolyte, thereby increasing the water retention of cells. Some studies have indicated that Betaine may also reduce inflammation (2). Betaine safeguards cells against the detrimental effects of extreme temperature, salinity and humidity. Betaine insulates the cells and organs, and ensures that they are constantly receiving optimal hydration. Erythrocytes, the red blood cells that carry oxygen, are also protected by Betaine from extreme hydration imbalances. Erythrocytes are vulnerable to shriveling (due to dehydration) or bursting (due to excessive hydration), which can have a damaging effect on the oxygen supply to your muscles, brain and heart. Betaine shields erythrocytes from these extremes, by maintaining a balanced fluid environment inside and outside of cells.
Rehydration of cells
Natural betaine assists with rehydration when mixed with electrolytes by restoring optimal fluid balance and transporting electrolytes and glucose to the muscle cells. Betaine assists hydration by protecting the cells from the stress that is put on cells when a muscle is overworked while in a state of dehydration (1).
Improves Strength
Betaine takes part in the methylation of homocysteine to form methionine. Methionine is important in the synthesis of creatine. Therefore a proposed mechanism of betaine, is its ability to improve strength and power, is by increasing creatine availability and enhancing muscle protein synthesis (3).
Lower homocysteine Levels
Increased homocysteine levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, Alzheimer disease, dementia, neural tube defects, and other metabolic disorders. Betaine helps in lowering homocysteine levels.