Use of betaine as a hepatic generator of S-adenosylmethionine and as a protective agent against hepatotoxicity

摘要

This invention encompasses pharmaceutical compositions in the dietary supplement for treating or preventing fatty infiltration, the first stage of cirrhosis of the liver comprising and administering of not less than 1500 mg of betaine per kg of body weight per day. Dietary supplementation of betaine was shown to completely protect against liver fatty infiltration in rats exposed to prolonged ethanol intake as well as carbon tetrachloride. Hepatic levels of SAM were also elevated, which suggests the mechanism for the protection of the liver.