Betaine and homocysteine concentrations in foods

Background : Betaine (Bet) supplementation is an effective strategy for dietary treatment of homocystinuria. However,previous reports on diet therapy have only examined methionine (Met) and cystine concentrations, but not those of Bet and homocysteine(Hcy) in food items. We set up a hypothesis that there are some food items, which contain a small amount of Met, but a great amountof Hcy and Bet. Methods : We measured Bet and Hcy concentrations in 58 food items, which were regarded as containing low Met. Results : Products of wheat flour are rich in Bet. The amount of Bet in food items investigated in this study is muchsmaller than the dose used to treat homocystinuria patients. Vegetables contained little Hcy, however sprouted beans and sprouted alfalfaseeds contained ample Hcy. Conclusion : Patients with homocystinuria do not have to be too concerned about Hcy in food items because the amountis small. Therefore, we encourage homocystinuria patients to continue a low Met diet therapy without anxiety of Hcy and Bet, and if necessary,Bet will be supplemented.