betaine

American  

[bee-tuh-een, -in, bih-tey-een, -in] / ˈbi təˌin, -ɪn, bɪˈteɪ in, -ɪn /

Also betain

noun

Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a colorless, crystalline, water-soluble, sweet-tasting alkaloid, C 5 H 11 NO 2 , usually obtained from sugar beets or synthesized from glycine, used chiefly in medicine.

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betaine British  

/ -ɪn, -ɪn, ˈbiːtəˌiːn, bɪˈteɪiːn /

noun

1. a sweet-tasting alkaloid that occurs in the sugar beet and other plants and in animals. Formula: C 5 H 11 NO 2

2. (plural) a group of chemical compounds that resemble betaine and are slightly basic zwitterions

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betaine Scientific  

/ bē′tə-ēn′,-ĭn /

1. Any of a class of organic salts that are derived from amino acids and have a cationic (positively charged) component that consists of a nitrogen atom attached to three methyl (CH ₃) groups.

2. A salt of this class that is a sweet crystalline alkaloid first found in sugar beets but also widely occurring in other plants and in animals. Betaine is used in the treatment of muscular weakness and degeneration. Chemical formula: C ₅ H ₁₁ NO ₂ .

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Etymology

Origin of betaine

1875–80; < Latin bēta beet + -ine ²

Example Sentences

The kidney also increased its production of betaine through activity of the enzyme CHDH.

From Science Daily • Nov. 13, 2025

Because betaine is considered safe and effective, it may be useful for people who cannot exercise regularly.

From Science Daily • Nov. 13, 2025

It works on two tracks: Kaolin clay and charcoal whisk away dirt and impurities, making way for a soothing-and-hydrating cocktail of vitamin C, skin-boosting niacinamide and betaine, and all-the-rage hyaluronic acid.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 4, 2021

Zinc strengthens the intestinal barrier, and betaine is known to protect cells from environmental stress.

From Scientific American • Sep. 24, 2018

Cocamidopropyl betaine, an organic compound derived from coconut oil, is used in shampoos, body washes, toothpaste, makeup removers and soaps.

From Washington Times • May 7, 2018