Dimethylglycine (DMG) is an amino acid derivative found in the cells of all plants and animals and can be obtained in the diet in small amounts from grains and meat. The human body produces DMG when metabolizing choline into glycine. Choline is obtained from dietary sources like meat, fish, eggs and poultry. Choline is metabolized in the liver to betaine aldehyde in the mitochondria via the enzyme choline dehydrogenase. Betaine aldehyde is the converted to betaine through alpha-aminoadipic semialdehyde dehydrogenase. Finally, betaine--homocysteine S-methyltransferase 1 produces dimethylglycine from betaine. Dimethylglycine enters the bloodstream and can cause toxic effects on the cardiovascular system.

Metabolism and Physiological Effects of Dimethylglycine References