Betaine as a functional ingredient: metabolism, health-promoting attributes, food sources, applications and analysis methods

Dejan Dobrijević*, Kristian Pastor*, Nataša Nastić*, Fatih Özogul*, Jelena Krulj*, Bojana Kokić*, Elena Bartkiene*, João Miguel Rocha*, Jovana Kojić*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

45 Citations (Scopus)
91 Downloads

Abstract

Betaine is a non-essential amino acid with proven functional properties and underutilized potential. The most common dietary sources of betaine are beets, spinach, and whole grains. Whole grains—such as quinoa, wheat and oat brans, brown rice, barley, etc.—are generally considered rich sources of betaine. This valuable compound has gained popularity as an ingredient in novel and functional foods due to the demonstrated health benefits that it may provide. This review study will provide an overview of the various natural sources of betaine, including different types of food products, and explore the potential of betaine as an innovative functional ingredient. It will thoroughly discuss its metabolic pathways and physiology, disease-preventing and health-promoting properties, and further highlight the extraction procedures and detection methods in different matrices. In addition, gaps in the existing scientific literature will be emphasized.

Original languageEnglish
Article number4824
Number of pages22
JournalMolecules
Volume28
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 17 Jun 2023

Keywords

  • Betaine
  • Detection
  • Disease prevention
  • Extraction
  • Food sources
  • Functional applications
  • Metabolic pathways

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