LIPOTROPIC DOSE–RESPONSE STUDIES IN RATS: COMPARISONS OF CHOLINE, BETAINE, AND METHIONINE

Abstract

Dose–response curves have been obtained showing the effects, in weanling rats, of graded doses of choline, betaine, and methionine, respectively, when added to a hypolipotropic diet. A comparison of the lipotropic activity made on the steep portions of the dose–response curves showed that at all liver fat values from normal to 27%, the ratio of betaine to choline necessary to produce a given level of fat was 3: 1. Essentially similar ratios were observed in the prevention of hemorrhagic kidney lesions and in the stimulation of growth. Methionine, at the lower doses, was as effective as betaine, on a molar basis, in maintaining a given level of liver fat. However, the higher levels of methionine were not as efficient. Methionine at the highest dosage used did not bring the liver fat entirely within the normal range.