Effects of betaine-containing nutrients on homocysteine levels and glucose-lipid metabolism in overweight and obese patients with hyperhomocysteinemia

Introduction: Introduction: this study aimed to assess the effects of betaine-containing nutrients on the levels of homocysteine (Hcy) and glycolipid metabolism indicators in overweight and obese patients with hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). Materials and methods: a total of 116 overweight and obese patients with HHcy hospitalized in our hospital between September 2023 and June 2024 were consecutively enrolled in this prospective randomized controlled trial and subjected to preliminary screening. Finally, 102 included subjects were allocated to an observation group (n = 52, given betaine-containing nutrients) or a control group (n = 50, routinely administered with vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and folic acid) using a random number table. Results: post-intervention (eight weeks), both groups showed significant improvements in constitution parameters (body mass index [BMI], waist-to-hip ratio [WHR], body fat percentage; p < 0.001), glycolipid metabolism (fasting blood glucose [FBG], total cholesterol [TC], triglyceride [TG], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]; p < 0.05-0.001), and Hcy/atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) levels (p < 0.05-0.001). However, the observation group exhibited superior reductions in BMI (t = 7.329, p < 0.001) and WHR (Z = 7.059, p < 0.001) compared to controls. Additionally, the betaine group achieved greater improvements in FBG (t = 5.570), TG (Z = 3.988), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (Z = 6.929), Hcy (Z = 6.400), and AIP (t = 6.794) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: betaine-containing nutrients applied in overweight and obese patients with HHcy are capable of effectively decreasing Hcy levels and improving constitution parameters plus glycolipid metabolism indicators in such patients. This work provides a theoretical basis for nutritional intervention strategies for obesity and resulting metabolic diseases.