Betaine (also known as trimethylglycine) is a natural substance found in foods such as beets and spinach. Research suggests that betaine supports cell health by acting as a methyl donor.This, in turn, supports healthy methionine, homocysteine and hepatic fat metabolism. Betaine also functions as an osmolyte, which supports the integrity of cells and proteins during fluctuations in hydration, salinity and temperature. Betaine HCl, the acidic form of betaine, has been used for years to support digestion and absorption due to its ability to lower gastric pH.10,11 HCl also serves as the body’s primary mechanism against pathogens found in food.