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Betaine HCl
(Betaine hydrochloride)
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| Introduction |
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| Betaine hydrochloride is a form of hydrochloride acid that is derived from beets, although one cannot get a therapeutic level of Betaine HCL from simply eating beets. It is commonly used as a digestive enzyme by individuals who do not produce enough hydrochloric acid to digest the proteins that they eat. It has been estimated that approximately 30% of elderly adults have insufficient production of hydrochloric acid in their stomach.(1) The clinical terms for people with limited or a lack of hydrochloric acid secretion are hypochlorhydria and achlorhydria. Without enough hydrochloric acid, the body may have difficulty absorbing nutrients because it is the hydrochloric acid that continues the digestive process by breaking down the foods we eat. This means that a low level of hydrochloric acid can be a contributing factor in numerous other clinical conditions such as asthma, atherosclerosis, candida yeast infections, gastritis,(2) and rheumatoid arthritis.(3)
While Betaine hydrochloride may be beneficial in some of these conditions, there have been no studies to confirm this. |
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| Reported Uses |
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There have been no clinical studies to date to verify the use of Betaine hydrochloride in humans. However, it is presently being used as a dietary supplement to support the digestive process. Betaine hydrochloride facilitates the conversion of pepsinogen to pepsin, which is required for the proper digestion of protein in the stomach.
Betaine hydrochloride may also help individuals who do not produce sufficient natural hydrochloric acid to maintain the correct pH level in the stomach. Proper gastric acidity provides a natural protective barrier against most bacteria entering the G.I. tract through the mouth.(4)
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| Dosage Info |
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| Dosage Range |
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Most Common Dosage |
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Dosage Forms |
| 50 mg to 650 mg per meal. |
None established; dosage varies widely according to individual need. |
Tablets and capsules |
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| Toxicities & Precautions |
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General
This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines. However, excessively large doses may cause a "heartburn" type of feeling resulting from too much stomach acid. Drinking several glasses of water will dilute the acid and should relieve the discomfort. |
Health Conditions
If you have esophageal reflux, ulcers or at high risk for developing an ulcer such as individuals who regularly take aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), you should not use betaine HCl without a doctor's supervision because it may worsen these conditions.(5) |
Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding
This dietary supplement should not be used if you are pregnant or breast-feeding an infant without first consulting a physician.To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects related to fetal development during pregnancy or to infants who are breast-fed. Yet little is known about the use of this dietary supplement while pregnant or breast-feeding. Therefore, it is recommended that you inform your healthcare practitioner of any dietary supplements you are using while pregnant or breast-feeding. |
Age Limitations
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician. |
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| Footnotes |
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1 Champagne ET. Low gastric hydrochloric acid secretion and mineral bioavailability. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1989;249:173-84.
View Abstract
2 Evenepoel P. Alteration in digestion and absorption of nutrients during profound acid suppression. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol. Jun2001;15(3):539-51.
View Abstract
3 Lombardi A, Pignone A, Perfetto F. The enzymatic mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and arthrosis. The role of metalloproteases and serine proteases in the breakdown of articular cartilage. Recenti Prog Med. Sep1993;84(9):634-41.
View Abstract
4 Cook GC. Infective gastroenteritis and its relationship to reduced gastric acidity. Scand J Gastroenterol Suppl. 1985;111:17-23.
View Abstract
5 Abdel-Salam OM, Czimmer J, Debreceni A, Szolcsanyi J, Mozsik G. Gastric mucosal integrity: gastric mucosal blood flow and microcirculation. An overview. J Physiol Paris. Jan2001;95(1-6):105-27.
View Abstract
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This information is educational in context and is not to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Please consult your licensed health care practitioner before using this or any medical information.
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