Abstract

Betaine is widely distributed in plants and animals and has a role as an osmolyte and as a cofactor in methylation in liver metabolism. It has been shown to protect internal organs, improve vascular risk factors and enhance performance. The growing body of evidence shows that betaine is an important nutrient for the prevention of chronic disease. This volume surveys the current state of play in these and other areas of interest, including its role in one-carbon metabolism, tissue biochemistry and interactions with folate and other biomolecules. The analysis of betaines using different techniques is covered, as is the function and effects in the body.

Written by an expert international team, this book provides a fascinating insight for those with an interest in the effects of betaine on health and the diet. It will appeal across disciplines but specifically to nutritional and food scientists, health professionals and researchers.

Victor R. Preedy is a senior member of King's College London (Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry) and King's College Hospital (Professor of Clinical Biochemistry; Hon). He is attached to both the Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences Division and the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics. He is also Director of the Genomics Centre and a member of the School of Medicine. Professor Preedy graduated in 1974 with an Honours Degree in Biology and Physiology with Pharmacology. He gained his University of London PhD in 1981 and in 1992, he received his Membership of the Royal College of Pathologists. Professor Preedy was elected as a Fellow of the Institute of Biology in 1995 and to the Royal College of Pathologists in 2000. Since then he has been elected as a Fellow to the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health (2004) and The Royal Institute of Public Health and Hygiene (2004). In 2009, Professor Preedy became a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health and in 2012 a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry. During his career, Professor Preedy has worked at the National Heart Hospital (part of Imperial College London) and the MRC Centre at Northwick Park Hospital. He has collaborated with research groups in Finland, Japan, Australia, USA and Germany. He is a leading expert on nutritional and food sciences and has a long standing interest in how food, food quality, nutrition and diet affect wellbeing and health. He has lectured nationally and internationally. To his credit, Professor Preedy has over 600 publications, which includes peer-reviewed manuscripts based on original research, abstracts and symposium presentations, reviews, books and volumes.