Also indexed as: Betaine HCl, Hydrochloric Acid
Betaine hydrochloride is an acidic form of betaine, a vitamin-like substance found in
grains and other foods. Betaine hydrochloride is recommended by some doctors as a supplemental
source of hydrochloric acid for people who have a deficiency of stomach acid production
(hypochlorhydria).
Where is it found?
Gastric acid is produced by the parietal cells of the stomach. The acidity is quite strong
in a normal stomach. In fact, the stomach can be between 100,000 and almost 1,000,000 times
more acidic than water.
Betaine hydrochloride
(HCl) has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer
to the individual health concern for complete information):
Who is likely to be deficient?
Some research suggests that people with a wide variety of chronic disorders, such as allergies,1 asthma,2 and gallstones,3 do not produce adequate
amounts of stomach acid.
How much is usually taken?
Betaine HCl is the most common hydrochloric acid-containing supplement. Normally it comes
in tablets or capsules measured in grains or milligrams. Only people who have reduced levels
of stomach acid (“hypochlorhydria”) should take betaine HCl; this condition can be
diagnosed by a doctor. When appropriate, some doctors recommend taking one or more tablets or
capsules, each 5–10 grains (325–650 mg), with a meal that contains protein.
Occasionally, betaine (trimethylglycine) is
recommended to reduce blood levels of a substance called homocysteine, which is associated with heart disease. This form of betaine is different from
betaine HCl.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
Large amounts of betaine HCl can burn the lining of the stomach. If a burning sensation is
experienced, betaine HCl should be immediately discontinued. People should not take more than
10 grains (650 mg) of betaine HCl without the recommendation of a physician. All people with a
history of peptic ulcers, gastritis, or gastrointestinal
symptoms—particularly
heartburn—should see a doctor before taking betaine HCl. People taking nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),
cortisone-like drugs, or other medications that might cause a peptic ulcer should not take
betaine HCl. Betaine HCl helps make some minerals and other nutrients more
absorbable.4 5
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with Betaine Hydrochloride.
References:1. Kokkonen J, Simila S, Herva R. Impaired gastric function in children
with cow’s milk intolerance. Eur J Pediatr 1979;132:1–6.
2. Gillespie M. Hypochlorhydria in asthma with specific reference to the
age incidence. Q J Med 1935;4:397–405.
3. Fravel RC. The occurrence of hypochlorhydria in gall-bladder disease.
Am J Med Sci 1920;159:512–7.
4. Murray MJ, Stein N. A gastric factor promoting iron absorption.
Lancet 1968;1:614.
5. Russell RM, Krasinski SD, Samloff IM, et al. Correction of impaired
folic acid (Pte Glu) absorption by orally administered HCl in subjects with gastric atrophy.
Am J Clin Nutr 1984;39:656.