Abstract: Betaine is an important nutrient which has been widely used in animal nutritional support， and its value in human health is well recognized. Most of the betaine is ingested through food.It also can be converted by choline in the body. Betaine can maintain theosmotic pressure of the body's tissues， reduce plasma homocysteine levels and improve mitochondrial function， it is an important vitamin in the treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia. It is also effectire to prevent and treat obesity， insulin resistance， cardio-cerebrovascular diseases， fatty liver and renal failure. A number of studies have proved the important role of betaine in the prevention and treatment of metabolic disorders，and verified the safety of betaine. Betaine will have wide application prospects.

Key words: betaine, nutrient, obesity, hyperhomocysteinemia, metabolic disorders

摘要： 甜菜碱是一种重要营养素，被广泛应用于动物营养支持，对人类健康的价值也受到了高度重视。人体所需的甜菜碱大部分经食物摄入，在体内亦可经胆碱转化而来。甜菜碱可以维持人体组织渗透压，降低血液同型半胱氨酸水平，改善线粒体代谢，是治疗高同型半胱氨酸血症的重要维生素，也有助于防治肥胖、胰岛素抵抗、心脑血管病、脂肪肝及肾损害。多项研究证明了甜菜碱在防治代谢性疾病中的重要价值，验证了甜菜碱的安全性，拥有广泛的应用前景。

关键词: 甜菜碱, 营养素, 肥胖, 高同型半胱氨酸血症, 代谢病