Effects of betaine supplementation on inflammatory markers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Xu J, Nie Z, Qiu X, Zhang J, Han S · International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition

Mostly null on the inflammatory story: circulating IL-1beta fell slightly (-0.65 pg/mL, 95% CI -1.23 to -0.06) with very high heterogeneity, while CRP, IL-6 and TNF-alpha changes were small and not significant. The authors conclude the evidence is insufficient to say betaine improves inflammatory state.

Population

Adults across 6 randomised controlled trials (7 intervention comparisons)

Intervention

Betaine supplementation

Comparator

Placebo

Limitations

Six trials, 277 participants, I-squared of 95% on the one significant marker; systemic inflammatory markers are not joint inflammation.