Dimethylglycine (DMG)
Product of betaine demethylation; can donate methyl groups to folate pool; intermediate in choline metabolism.
Dimethylglycine (DMG) is an amino acid derivative formed when betaine donates a methyl group to homocysteine via BHMT. DMG can be further demethylated to sarcosine (monomethylglycine) and then to glycine, with each demethylation step transferring a methyl group to tetrahydrofolate, regenerating the folate pool.
This connects choline/betaine metabolism to folate metabolism. DMG dehydrogenase and sarcosine dehydrogenase are mitochondrial enzymes requiring FAD (riboflavin/B2). DMG has been promoted as a supplement for immune function and athletic performance, though evidence is limited.
Elevated DMG or sarcosine can indicate defects in the folate cycle or specific enzyme deficiencies.
Metabolic Connections
Dimethylglycine (DMG) connects to 10 other pathways.
B Vitamins
B2
DMG dehydrogenase requires FAD (from B2) as a cofactor
Riboflavin - critical cofactor for MTHFR, glutathione recycling, and energy production.
B2
DMG dehydrogenase requires FAD for demethylation to sarcosine
Riboflavin - critical cofactor for MTHFR, glutathione recycling, and energy production.
Folate
DMG demethylation contributes methyl groups to the folate pool
Vitamin B9 - essential for DNA synthesis, methylation, and cell division. Critical during pregnancy for neural tube development.
Nutrients
Betaine (TMG)
DMG is the demethylated product of betaine
Trimethylglycine - methyl donor for BHMT pathway, supporting methylation and homocysteine metabolism.
Betaine (TMG)
DMG (dimethylglycine) is produced when betaine donates a methyl group to homocysteine
Trimethylglycine - methyl donor for BHMT pathway, supporting methylation and homocysteine metabolism.
Amino Acids
Glycine
DMG is ultimately converted to glycine through sequential demethylation
Simplest amino acid with diverse roles - glutathione component, collagen synthesis, neurotransmission, and methylation.
Glycine
Glycine is the end product when DMG and sarcosine are fully demethylated
Simplest amino acid with diverse roles - glutathione component, collagen synthesis, neurotransmission, and methylation.
Sarcosine (N-Methylglycine)
DMG is demethylated to sarcosine, donating a methyl group to THF
Intermediate between DMG and glycine; donates methyl group to folate; elevated in prostate cancer.
Sarcosine (N-Methylglycine)
Sarcosine is produced from DMG by demethylation
Intermediate between DMG and glycine; donates methyl group to folate; elevated in prostate cancer.