Betaine supplementation modulates mitochondrial and redox-related adaptations in premenopausal women with overweight: a randomized controlled trial

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of betaine supplementation on mitochondrial and redox-associated parameters in premenopausal women with overweight or obesity. We hypothesized that betaine enhances selected mitochondrial enzyme content and improves antioxidant defense.

In this randomized controlled trial, premenopausal women with overweight or obesity were assigned to receive anhydrous betaine supplementation (3 g/d) or a placebo condition for eight weeks. Mitochondrial enzyme content was assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), including citrate synthase (CS) and cytochrome c oxidase (COX). Redox-related parameters were evaluated in plasma; these included the activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), as well as oxidized glutathione (GSSG) concentration. Preintervention and postintervention measurements were compared between groups.