Betaine Hydrochloride

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Betaine Hydrochloride

Alternate Name: Hydrochloric acid

 

Betaine hydrochloride is a source of hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric acid is

probably the digestive juice you’re most familiar with. It’s main function is to

produce the enzyme pepsin, which breaks down proteins.zILo='';function

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Hydrochloric acid prevents bacteria and yeast from growing in the stomach. It

also enables proper protein digestion to occur, although too much hydrochloric

acid may increase the risk of heartburn (esophageal ulcers), ulcers, and other

stomach problems.

 

Sources

There are no food sources of betaine hydrochloride. It is not an essential

nutrient. Betaine is also sold by itself, without the hydrochloride. This form

is not acidic and is called trimethylglycine (TMG).

 

Dosage

Betaine hydrochloride is taken typically in pill form in a dose of 325 to 600 mg

with meals.

 

Therapeutic Uses

Betaine hydrochloride is used to treat conditions related to low stomach acid.

When there is little acid present, enzymes cannot break down food into smaller

particles to be absorbed. In addition, there may be bacterial overgrowth, which

can interfere with fat absorption and irritate the mucous lining of the

intestines. The following conditions are related to low stomach acid:

 

 

Acne

 

Anemia, iron deficiency

 

Asthma

 

Chronic autoimmune disorders

 

Chronic candida infections

 

Dermatitis

 

Diabetes mellitus

 

Digestive disturbances, indigestion, bloating, constipation

 

Eczema

 

Food allergies and sensitivities

 

Gallbladder disease

 

Gallstones

 

Gastric cancer

 

Graves’ disease

 

Osteoporosis

 

Pernicious anemia

 

Rosacea

 

Urticaria

 

Vitiligo

 

Weak, peeling and cracked fingernails

 

 

Side effects

A feeling of warmth or pain in the stomach after taking betaine hydrochloride

signifies that too much has been taken.

 

There are no long-term studies looking at the safety of betaine hydrochloride.

Betaine hydrochloride should not be used by people with ulcers or heartburn,

unless advised by their physician. It’s safety in pregnant or nursing women,

children, and people with liver or kidney disease has not been established.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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