Key BetaPower® Betaine Benefits
- BetaPower®, naturally derived betaine from beets, helps maintain muscle cell hydration.
- BetaPower®, naturally derived betaine from beets, helps maintain cellular hydration within the muscle during periods of intense stress.
- BetaPower®, naturally derived betaine from beets, helps maintain cellular hydration within the muscle during times of hypertonic stress.
What is BetaPower®?
BetaPower® is an amino acid derived from the molasses of sugar beets, it’s a purified form of betaine anhydrous. BetaPower® is a premium form of betaine that is patented and has a purity of 99%. Another name for betaine is trimethylglycine, it gets this name because its chemical structure resembles the amino acid glycine with three attached methyl groups.
The key physiological functions of betaine in the body include 1) acting as a methyl donor, where it donates its methyl groups to chemical reactions 2) acting as an osmolyte, where it regulates water balance in cells.
The Science on BetaPower®
Researchers have investigated the effects of betaine supplementation on athletic performance and body composition in numerous clinical trials.
Betaine and Athletic Performance
Research on the effects of betaine supplementation and athletic performance have been mixed. With some research showing betaine supplementation to have beneficial effects on sprint performance, work capacity, muscular endurance, and power. [1,2,3,4,5] While other studies evaluating the effects of betaine supplementation on athletic performance found no difference from placebo. [6,7]
In a systematic review on betaine supplementation and athletic performance, the authors concluded that while only a few studies showed a beneficial effect, the results from the positive studies (increases of up to 24.61% on strength and power) warrant further research into betaine supplementation. The authors noted that betaine supplementation seems to work best under conditions of cellular stress, like during high-intensity exercise programs.[8]
Betaine and Body Composition
Research on the effects of betaine supplementation on body composition has generally found it to have a positive effect in the form of reduced body fat mass and increased muscle size. [9,10]
A systematic review on the effects of betaine supplementation and body composition found it to be effective for significantly reducing body fat mass and body fat %.[11]
How BetaPower® Works
The exact mechanism betaine works through isn’t precisely known; however, its benefits are likely to be due to its ability to impact some of the following pathways:
Betaine could potentially increase performance through 1) increased creatine production, by acting as a methyl donor 2) increased nitric oxide levels 3) acting as an osmoprotectant, by protecting cellular hydration and maintaining fluid balance.
Betaine could potentially support improved body composition through 1) increased lipolysis (breakdown of fat) 2) increased fatty acid oxidation (fat burning) 3) increased protein synthesis.
What C4, Cellucor, and XTEND Products contain BetaPower®?
XTEND Sport BCAA: Featuring 7G BCAAs, a robust blend to support hydration, and proudly wearing the NSF Certified for Sport certification, XTEND Sport is the perfect solution for athletes both on and off the field.
C4 SuperSport Pre-Workout: The next level of NSF Certified® pre-workout. Made by the #1 Global Pre-Workout Brand†and packing 4 patented, clinically studied ingredients, C4 SuperSport is the pre-workout athletes turn to for elevated performance. With elevATP® and CON-CRET® Creatine to support strength and power, CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine for muscular endurance, BetaPower® Betaine for hydration during intense workouts, and the legendary explosive energy C4 is known for, C4 SuperSport is supercharged to drive your performance.Â
C4 Energy Drink: There’s energy drinks…and then there’s C4 Energy. While many of the others tap out at caffeine and sugar, C4 Energy Carbonated is infused with performance ingredients from the makers of the #1 Global pre-workout brand
Alpha Amino EAA & BCAA: the ultimate performance, hydration, and recovery sports drink powder. Whether you’re just starting out, or ready to reach that next level, Alpha Amino will support you throughout your entire journey. Be ready and recovered for whatever tomorrow brings.Â
References
[1] https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1550-2783-9-12
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3844502/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articfles/PMC2651845/
[5] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1550-2783-7-27
[9] https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-018-0243-x