Deformations of N=4 SYM by relevant operators that preserve N=1 supersymmetry enjoy non-renormalization theorems. This allows to derive expressions for the beta function of the corresponding coupling in an exact way. Holography relates the field theory beta function to the supergravity superpotential and scalar potential. A general expression for the scalar potential is found and some first comparison is made to the known expressions that were derived directly from supergravity. This method has potential to be generalised, but also further testing is necessary.