Known also as glycin, glycine, the simplest of the amino acids is soluble in both water and alcohol and helps release oxygen required for cell production and the biosynthesis of hormones.

Found naturally not only in eggs and liver, but also in fish, beets, and legumes, betaine is able to reduce the levels of harmful homocysteine in human plasma. Just as the better known vitamins folic acid, B-6, and B-12, betaine in the diet lessens the chances for cardiovascular disease and reduces the risk of giving birth to children with neural tube defects.