DMG is a metabolite of betaine, which is used to help promote the production of methionine
from homocysteine. Abnormal homocysteine levels are associated with autism and with
coronary artery disease, but DMG does not stimulate reactions that reduce homocysteine,
but is a by-product of them. DMG may also eventually be converted into two very vital
compounds, phosphatidylserine and glutathione, but a direct effect has not been
demonstrated. Indeed, in one study, DMG supplementation actually reduced glutathione
levels. DMG does appear to function as an anti-oxidant, and has been shown to have a
protective effect against gastric ulceration.