Betaine Supplementation Is Less Effective Than Methionine Restriction in Correcting Phenotypes of CBS Deficient Mice

The study investigated the effects of betaine supplementation versus methionine restriction in a mouse model of cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) deficiency. Results showed that betaine supplementation led to a 40% reduction in total homocysteine levels and a 137% increase in serum methionine levels. Although betaine treatment improved hair loss, it was less effective than methionine restriction in addressing weight loss, fat loss, and osteoporosis. Negative effects of betaine were observed in control mice, including reduced weight gain, lean mass, and bone mineral density. The study concluded that while betaine has some benefits, methionine restriction is more effective for reversing CBS deficiency phenotypes in mice. The study used at least ten mice for each data point, with specific numbers for different groups provided in a table.