Betaine HCL
Betaine Hydrochloride (HCL) is an acidic form of betaine, a vitamin-like substance found in grains and other foods. It is recommended by some doctors as a supplemental source of hydrochloric acid for people who have a deficiency of stomach acid production (hypochlorhydria). Betaine HCL is the most common hydrochloric acid-containing supplement and comes in tablets or capsules measured in grains or milligrams.
Benefits of Betaine HCL
Betaine HCL has several potential benefits. Taking betaine HCL before meals may help promote a healthy digestive response and gut health. It can also help restore stomach acid levels and improve asthma symptoms. A study conducted many years ago showed that 80% of children with asthma had hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid). Supplementation with hydrochloric acid (HCl) in combination with avoidance of known food allergens led to clinical improvement in this preliminary trial. Betaine is also used to treat alcoholic liver damage that results in the accumulation of fat in the liver. It has lipotropic (fat-reducing) effects, so it has been shown to produce significant improvements in treating fatty liver disease by helping the liver process and remove fats.
Case Studies
A study conducted on healthy male volunteers showed that gastric re-acidification with betaine HCl improved gastric pH. Another study showed that taking betaine HCl before meals can help restore stomach acid levels and improve asthma symptoms. A case study from an integrative pharmacy recommended taking a digestive enzyme with betaine HCl with each meal. A clinical trial showed that betaine HCl can increase gastric pH levels.
The recommended dosage for betaine HCl varies depending on the individual’s needs. It is recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase it until heartburn is experienced, then take one less than that. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 6 grams.
Large amounts of betaine HCl can burn the lining of the stomach. If a burning sensation is experienced, betaine HCl should be immediately discontinued. Betaine can raise total cholesterol levels, so although it’s beneficial for preventing heart disease, it’s a safety concern among at-risk patients and must be taken in small doses. Side effects might include nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, and others. If you take any medications for liver disease, heart disease or have kidney stones, you should talk to your doctor before taking any betaine-containing supplements.
Sources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3946491/
- https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/hn-2808009
- https://draxe.com/nutrition/what-is-betaine/
- https://www.drugtopics.com/view/case-study-integrative-pharmacy
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1008/betaine-anhydrous
- https://examine.com/supplements/betaine/
