Authorised EU health claims for betaine

This chapter characterises betaine and its authorised health claim in respect to dietary sources, scientific substantiation, benefits for consumers, interaction with the EU legislation and safety. The European Commission has authorised a health claim for betaine on the contribution to normal homocysteine metabolism. Betaine is obtained from natural dietary sources and is also allowed in food supplements in the EU, and this is examined from the view of condition of use, e.g. the adequate daily intake of betaine. The aim is to characterise the value of betaine related to benefits and health risks for the general population. A question is raised concerning consumer understanding of the authorised heath claim and especially the word homocysteine.