Trimethylglycine (TMG), also known as betaine - not betaine hydrochloride - is a chemical compound and a good source of methyl groups. A methyl group is a molecule consisting of one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms (CH3). Methylation is a naturally occurring process in which methyl groups are attached to substances in the body to either protect or transform them. For example, when attached to DNA, methyl groups appear protective, preventing mutated genes from expressing themselves. Methyl groups also convert homocysteine, a toxic amino acid that can cause cardiovascular disease, to methionine, a beneficial amino acid.

In fact, methionine is the first amino acid in protein synthesis. Therefore, methionine is necessary for protein synthesis to take place. This process is called "induction". TMG is used commonly as a feed additive in both poultry and pork farming to increase feed efficiency (more tissue growth with less feed - this translates to less money spent) in addition, methylation influences levels of s-adenosylmethionine (SAM), which protects the liver and is an anti-depressant. These substances, along with folic acid (B6) and, to a lesser extent, choline, all contain methyl donor groups. These nutrients, along with TMG, are part of a chemical contingent in the body that works against cancer, heart and neurological diseases, and nearly every age related disorder. The most significant health problem related to high homocysteine levels is cardiovascular disease. Multiple studies have demonstrated that medium to high levels of plasma homocysteine are associated with increased risk for heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and peripheral artery disease. In one study, daily treatment with TMG , folic acid and choline normalized homocysteine levels in 17 of 19 patients. The usual TMG dosage is 500 to 1,000 mg/day- roughly equivalent to what a diet high in broccoli, spinach or beets would provide. However, many people are not consuming a diet which is high in fruits and or vegetables. Therefore, the inclusion of TMG in Mass Action makes it very easy to make sure that daily methyl groups are included in ones diet. If adequate methyl groups are not taken in, other sources of methyl groups will be called upon to fulfill needs. This basically means that supplemental TMG will help to spare pre-existing proteins in the body. Methyl groups are also vital to the normal synthetic process of Creatine in the body.

As we learn more about disease and the aging process, the term "methylation" may soon become as familiar as "antioxidant". The methylation-aging connection, however, differs from antioxident theories. Free radicals are created during oxidation and are believed to trigger cellular deterioration. On the other hand, oxidation is also necessary for metabolizing food and driving normal body functions such as fighting viruses and bacteria. In contrast, methylation is not crucial for normal body functions.