Bodybuilders and athletes often supplement with betaine (also known as trimethylglycine or TMG) for several reasons, primarily related to its potential benefits for performance and body composition. Here’s why betaine is popular among this demographic:

1. Muscle Strength and Power: Betaine supplementation has been linked to improvements in muscle strength and power output. This can be particularly beneficial for strength training exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, allowing athletes to lift heavier weights or perform more repetitions.
2. Increased Muscle Mass: Some research suggests that betaine supplementation may promote muscle growth or hypertrophy, potentially through mechanisms such as increased protein synthesis. This could lead to greater gains in lean muscle mass over time, which is a key goal for many bodybuilders.
3. Enhanced Exercise Performance: Betaine may improve overall exercise performance by increasing endurance, reducing fatigue, and supporting recovery between workouts. This can allow athletes to train harder and more consistently, leading to better results over time.
4. Cellular Hydration: Betaine is an osmolyte, meaning it helps regulate cell volume and hydration levels. Maintaining optimal cellular hydration is important for muscle function, performance, and overall health, especially during intense physical activity.
5. Methylation Support: Betaine plays a role in the methylation cycle, a biochemical process involved in various physiological functions, including muscle protein synthesis, neurotransmitter production, and DNA methylation. By supporting methylation reactions, betaine may contribute to overall health and performance.