Metabolic relationship between betaine and methionine, choline
The biochemical reactions involved in the metabolic process of various substances in animals are not isolated, but interdependent and mutually restricted to maintain normal metabolism. Methyl, as an essential group of many metabolic reactions, must be provided by specific methyl donors (betaine, methionine, choline, etc.). The metabolic relationship between betaine, methionine and choline is reflected by the circular reaction of methyl transfer of the three. At the same time, it improves the fermentation speed of starch, maintains the simultaneous release of energy and nitrogen, and improves the synthesis efficiency of cell protein (MCP).

Substitution of betaine with choline and methionine
In addition to being a methyl donor, betaine has many unique functions. It has become an important feed additive, which has a buffering effect on osmotic shock in the body. It can be used as an osmotic protector of cells, especially for poultry under metabolic stress. Betaine can improve the tolerance of biological cells to drought, high humidity, high salt and hypertonic environment, stabilize enzyme activity and biological macromolecule function. Betaine can effectively prevent water loss of cells, improve the function of Na/K pump, prevent hyperkalemia caused by abdominal dissection, thus regulate the water and ion balance of animal intestine, maintain intestinal function, and slow down the occurrence of diarrhea. Betaine can be used together with ion carrier coccidioid drugs to protect intestinal cells, ensure the normal function of cell membrane and nutrient absorption, and improve the efficacy of anti coccidiosis drugs, It is also good for improving the sanitation of poultry houses to keep the water content of feces low.

Action mechanism of betaine
Methyl is an important and indispensable substance for metabolism of various substances in animals. Animals can hardly synthesize methyl and must be fed with feed. Betaine is the most effective methyl donor, and its three methyl groups can be used as effective active methyl groups. One of them methylates homocysteine to form endogenous methionine and dimethylglycine. Endogenous methionine releases methyl through the formation of S-adenosylmethionine. Dimethylglycine releases methyl to form 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. 5-methyltetrahydrofolate is the methyl donor of homocysteine to methionine. Betaine is involved in the metabolism of protein, fat and other substances through betaine homocysteine methyl transfer reaction, and plays an important role in the nervous system, immune system, urinary system and cardiovascular system.

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