Effects of Betaine on Sports Ability and Athletic Nutrition: A Narrative Review

Abstract: Betaine, a natural alkaloid compound, has been demonstrated by recent research to possess antioxidant properties, prevent fatty liver and liver damage, improve alcoholic fatty liver, alleviate chronic kidney disease, protect cardiovascular health, exhibit neuroprotective characteristics, and provide antidepressant effects. Recently, the beneficial effects of betaine on exercise have garnered significant attention from researchers. Betaine not only possesses functional properties that improve fatty liver and cardiovascular health, but it has also been shown to enhance exercise performance, mitigate heat stress, and reduce exercise-induced injuries when used as a sports nutrition supplement. Regarding exercise, betaine not only enhance performance, but also when effectively combined with physical activity, alleviate fatigue, accelerate muscle recovery, and reduce the adverse effects of exercise-related injuries. However, the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of betaine on exercise require further elucidation. This study reviews a substantial body of literature to summarize the current status of betaine in enhancing exercise performance and nutrition, suggesting that betaine improves the body’s antioxidant capacity, reduces oxidative stress, inhibits apoptosis, decreases exercise-induced cellular damage, mitigates inflammatory responses, modulates the immune system, and suppresses fat synthesis, thereby enhancing the nutritional functions of exercise. The aim is to provide theoretical insights and ideas for further in-depth research and functional exploration of betaine as a nutritional supplement.