Herbs & Supplements:
Betaine Hydrochloride

Principal Proposed Uses
  • · There are no well-documented uses for betaine hydrochloride
Other Proposed Uses
  • Digestive Aid, Anemia, Asthma, Atherosclerosis, Diarrhea, Excess Candida (Yeast), Food Allergies, Gallstones, Hay Fever, Inner Ear Infections, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Thyroid Conditions, Ulcers, Heartburn

Betaine hydrochloride is a source of hydrochloric acid, a naturally occurring chemical in the stomach that helps us digest food by breaking up fats and proteins. Stomach acid also aids in the absorption of nutrients through the walls of the intestines into the blood and protects the gastrointestinal tract from harmful bacteria.

A major branch of alternative medicine known as naturopathy has long held that low stomach acid is a widespread problem that interferes with digestion and the absorption of nutrients. Betaine hydrochloride is one of the most common recommendations for this condition (along with the more folksy apple cider vinegar).

Betaine is also sold by itself, without the hydrochloride molecule attached. In this form, it is called trimethylglycine (TMG). TMG is not acidic, but recent evidence suggests that it may provide certain health benefits of its own (for more information, see TMG).

Sources

Betaine hydrochloride is not an essential nutrient, and no food sources exist.

Therapeutic Dosages

Betaine hydrochloride is typically taken in pill form at dosages ranging from 325 to 650 mg with each meal.

Therapeutic Uses

Based on theories about the importance of stomach acid, betaine has been recommended for a wide variety of problems, including anemia, asthma, atherosclerosis, diarrhea, excess candida yeast, food allergies, gallstones, hay fever and allergies, inner ear infections, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid conditions. When one sees such broadly encompassing uses, it is not surprising to find that there is as yet no real scientific research on its effectiveness for any of these conditions.

Many naturopathic physicians also believe that betaine hydrochloride can heal conditions such as ulcers and esophageal reflux (heartburn). This sounds paradoxical, since conventional treatment for those conditions involves reducing stomach acid, while betaine hydrochloride increases it. However, according to one theory, lack of stomach acid leads to incomplete digestion of proteins, and these proteins cause allergic reactions and other responses that lead to an increase in ulcer pain. Again, scientific evidence is lacking.

Safety Issues

Betaine hydrochloride should not be used by those with ulcers or esophageal reflux (heartburn) except on the advice of a physician. This supplement seldom causes any obvious side effects, but it has not been put through rigorous safety studies. In particular, safety for young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.

Last reviewed March 2002 by Medical Review Board

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