Betaine is a methyl derivative of glycine,it contains three chemical active methyl groups(CH3),which makes the betaine own one of two functions,as a methyl supplier.The second function of betaine is regulate water infiltration and maintain water balance in biofilms as a natural organic osmotic regulator.

Betaine can be used as an anti - fatty liver agent.In some studies, carcass fat deposition in growing pigs was reduced by 15% when only 0.125% betaine was added to the feed.Finally, betaine has been shown to increase the digestibility of nutrients because it provides osmotic protection for gut bacteria, making the gastrointestinal environment more stable.Of course,the most important function of betaine is to prevent the  dehydration of cells,but this is often taken for granted and ignored.

In the short of water can be excessive diet betaine,betaine can regulate cell hydration.  In a state of heat stress, cells respond by aggregating inorganic ions, such as sodium, potassium, chlorine, and organic permeators like betaine.In this case, betaine is the most effective compound, since it has no negative effect of causing loss of protein stability. As a osmotic regulator substance, betaine can protect the kidney from the harm of high concentration of electrolyte and urea, improve the function of macrophages, regulate the water balance in the intestinal tract,prevent premature cell death, and have a certain impact on the survival of embryos in the state of water shortage in the body.