can you buy betaine hcl over the counter

Betaine hydrochloride

was previously available as an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine to increase stomachacid in people with low stomachacid. But the US FDA banned its use in OTC products due to a lack of information about whether it is safe and effective.

Full Answer

What is betaine HCl?

Betaine is a nutritional compound extracted from food sources like grains or beets. Betaine HCl is an acidic version of betaine that works in the same way as hydrochloric acid (HCl) in your stomach. As a dietary supplement, betaine HCl is sometime combined with digestive enzymes such as pepsin or protease to help with protein digestion.

Is betaine HCl the magic pill for low stomach acid?

It seems counter-intuitive, but supplementing with Hydrochloric Acid (HCl) in the form of Betaine HCl can dramatically help people with low stomach acid. If you’re one of them, it’s about as close to a “magic pill” as you’re ever going to get.

What are the side effects of betaine hydrochloride?

Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Peptic ulcer disease: Betaine hydrochloride can increase stomach acid. There is a concern that the hydrochloric acid produced from betaine hydrochloride might irritate stomach ulcers or keep them from healing. Interactions ?

How much betaine HCl should I take for acid reflux?

Going back to Dr. Jonathan Wright’s book on stomach acid, he noted that: “The most effective adult dose of Betaine HCl is 5 to 7 of the 650 milligram capsules per meal, with pepsin.” 1) This is an average, so many people need to take more Betaine HCl and many people need to take less.

Is betaine HCl over-the-counter?

Betaine hydrochloride was previously available as an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine to increase stomach acid in people with low stomach acid. But the US FDA banned its use in OTC products due to a lack of information about whether it is safe and effective.

How long does it take for betaine HCl to work?

The onset of effect of betaine HCl was rapid, with a mean time to pH < 3 of 6.3 (±4.3) minutes.

Is betaine HCl the same as stomach acid?

Betaine hydrochloride (also known as betaine HCL) is a chemical produced in a lab that is meant to increase a stomach acid known as hydrochloric acid. In the past, betaine hydrochloride was sold as an over-the-counter (OTC) digestive aid.

When should you not take betaine HCl?

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.

How can I increase my stomach HCl naturally?

5 ways to improve stomach acidLimit processed foods. A balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can also increase your stomach acid levels. ... Eat fermented vegetables. Fermented vegetables — such as kimchi, sauerkraut, and pickles — can naturally improve your stomach acid levels. ... Drink apple cider vinegar. ... Eat ginger.

Does apple cider vinegar increase HCl?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is one of the easiest methods to improve digestion by increasing your stomach's hydrochloric acid (HCL). ACV increases secretion of your stomach's HCL needed in the metabolism of fats and proteins.

What is the best supplement for low stomach acid?

Supplement hydrochloric acid. To treat the hydrochloric acid deficiency itself, your healthcare provider may prescribe an HCI supplement (betaine hydrochloride) to take with meals. HCI supplements are often combined with the enzyme pepsin. These supplements can help your digestion.

How can I get betaine naturally?

Food sources of betaine include:Beets.Broccoli.Grains.Shellfish.Spinach.

What is the best way to take betaine HCl?

Always take the betaine HCL either half-way through the meal or right at the end of the meal. Taking it before a meal may create a false experience of heartburn and can turn off stomach acid production for this meal. Caution: Do not take HCL if you are taking any NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, Tylenol, or aspirin.

How can you tell if you have low stomach acid?

Symptoms may include:bloating.burping.upset stomach.nausea when taking vitamins and supplements.heartburn.diarrhea.gas.desire to eat when not hungry.More items...

When is the best time to take betaine HCl?

When taken with a meal, Betaine HCl gives your stomach acid levels a boost and helps you more effectively break down food and absorb nutrients. By restoring stomach acidity levels, Betaine HCl can also help to destroy harmful bacteria in your stomach before they enter your digestive tract.

What foods contain betaine hydrochloric acid?

Betaine can be found in nutrient-rich foods like spinach, beets, certain ancient whole grains (which are especially beneficial if they are sprouted first), and certain types of meat and poultry. When supplementing with this nutrient, mild side effects are possible including diarrhea, stomach upset and nausea.

How do you know if betaine HCl is working?

Burning, heat, or heaviness in your chest likely indicate adequate stomach acid levels. It is recommended to repeat the betaine HCl challenge two or three times to confirm your results.

When is the best time to take betaine HCl?

When taken with a meal, Betaine HCl gives your stomach acid levels a boost and helps you more effectively break down food and absorb nutrients. By restoring stomach acidity levels, Betaine HCl can also help to destroy harmful bacteria in your stomach before they enter your digestive tract.

How long does stomach acid take to replenish?

For most people acid levels return to normal within one to two weeks.

Can you take betaine HCl on empty stomach?

It is important that this be done with a meal of sufficient size (500 calories or more) containing adequate protein. Betaine HCl should not be given on an empty stomach unless it is followed immediately by consuming a meal.

What is betaine HCL?

The betaine HCL supplement is a natural stomach acidifier made from betaine, an alkaloid found in foods, such as beetroot. It’s designed to compensate for the decline in gastric acidity typically seen after the age of 50. It provides benefits for digestion, nutrient absorption and the prevention of gastrointestinal infections.

How Does a Betaine Hydrochloride Supplement Help with Liver Detox?

Betaine hydrochloride can also aid the process of detoxing the liver. Research shows betaine HCL helps the liver digest fats or lipids . If fat begins to accumulate to dangerous levels from various conditions, such as diabetes, obesity or alcohol abuse, it can put your health at risk. However, betaine breaks down and removes the fats, allowing for new ways to detox the liver.

What Is a Hydrochloric Acid Supplement?

Betaine HCL increases the hydrochloric acid levels in the stomach. These acids are required to aid proper digestion and assimilate nutrients from food. When the body has the appropriate amount of hydrochloric acid, digestion operates normally and the body can absorb both amino acids and proteins.

Is betaine hydrochloride a dietary supplement?

For many years, betaine hydrochloride was used in over-the-counter products, such as digestive aids and stomach acidifiers. Now, it is only found as a dietary supplement. While research varies, customers use betaine hydrochloride for a variety of ailments. Some people use it for hypokalemia or low levels of potassium.

Is betaine a natural source of gastric acid?

Description. Betaine HCL is a natural source of gastric acidity for improved digestion: Helps compensate for the age-related decrease in gastric acidity. Supports digestion, absorption of nutrients and detoxification, and limits alcohol-related liver damage. Helps reduce the risk of stomach infections (Helicobacter pylori, ...

Are there any contraindications?

Hydrochloric acid supplements are not recommended for those suffering from ulcers, nor should they be taken by pregnant women experiencing problems with stomach acid, or those taking antihistamines (H2) or proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole or other generic forms.

What is betaine HCl?

Betaine HCl is an acidic version of betaine that works in the same way as hydrochloric acid (HCl) in your stomach. As a dietary supplement, betaine HCl is sometime combined with digestive enzymes such as pepsin or protease to help with protein digestion.

Can you take gastrin if you are not taking PPI?

A serum gastrin test can be used if you’re not taking PPI medication. According to some practitioners, a test result higher than 75 pg/mL could indicate that you would benefit from supplementing with betaine HCl. However, one study found no correlation between serum gastrin levels and gastric pH [ 29 ].

Can betaine cause SIBO?

Don’t Make This Common Mistake When Taking Betaine HCl. New research suggests that low stomach acid may play a role in the development of SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). Low stomach acid can also lead to nutritional deficiencies and may put you at greater risk for food poisoning and other gut infections.

What is betaine hydrochloride used for?

Betaine hydrochloride is also used to treat abnormally low levels of potassium ( hypokalemia ), hay fever, “tired blood ” ( anemia ), asthma, “hardening of the arteries ” ( atherosclerosis ), yeast infections, diarrhea, food allergies, gallstones, inner ear infections, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and thyroid disorders. It is also used to protect the liver.

Is betaine anhydrous or hydrochloride?

Don’t confuse betaine hydrochloride with betaine anhydrous. Use only the FDA-approved betaine anhydrous product for the treatment of high levels of homocysteine in the urine ( homocystinuria ). This is a symptom of some rare genetic diseases.

Is betaine hydrochloride safe for breast feeding?

There isn't enough information to know if betaine hydrochloride is safe. It might cause heartburn. Pregnancy and breast -feeding: Not enough is known about the use of betaine hydrochloride during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Is betaine a chemical?

Betaine hydrochloride is a chemical substance made in a laboratory. It is used as medicine. Betaine hydrochloride has an interesting history. Betaine hydrochloride used to be included in over-the-counter (OTC) products as a “ stomach acidifier and digestive aid.”. But a federal law that went into effect in 1993 banned betaine hydrochloride ...

Does betaine hydrochloride help with stomach acid?

Even if it were true, betaine hydrochloride wouldn’t help. It only delivers hydrochloric acid but does not itself alter stomach acidity.

How do you take Betaine Hydrochloride?

The title of the article is “Meal-Time Supplementation with Betaine HCl for Functional Hypochlorhydria: What is the Evidence?” For a link to guide on how best to take Betaine HCl see the show notes.

How long does betaine HCl take to re-acidify?

Looking at a case study published in the US National Library of Medicine, we learn the onset of betaine HCl is rapid, quickly prompting temporary re-acidification and lasting about an hour (±30) minutes.

What was your experience with HCl?

For me, the effects of the dietary changes and three supplements that I took, including the HCl, were immediate and profound.

How long did Don take acid blockers?

Don was an acid reflux sufferer for more than 15 years. With several family members with the disease, and a medically diagnosed Hiatal Hernia he resigned to the fact that he would take acid blockers for the rest of his life. Dissatisfied with medical advice, he researched the root causes of acid reflux and by solving them was able to eliminate his acid reflux for good!

Is betaine HCl safe for breastfeeding?

The safety and efficacy of betaine HCl supplements have not been clinically evaluated in children or pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Does betaine lower pH?

This acidic version of betaine works in the same way as the body’s own hydrochloric acid (HCl), and can serve as a supplemental source in your stomach to lower the pH and assist with digestion. This, as stomach acid should normally be in the low 1.5 – 3 pH range.

Does betaine cause stomach acid?

Betaine Hydrochloride doesn’t increase stomach acid to a level beyond what is normal in the stomach. As such, if there is any burning sensation it may be an indication of compromised stomach mucosal lining.

Where can I find betaine hydrochloride?

Betaine hydrochloride, despite its chemical-sounding name, i s actually an organic compound found naturally in foods like sugar beets, grains and spinach. Medical doctors and naturopaths alike have been recommending it for years.

Why is betaine on the label?

There’s a reason betaine is listed on the label of many workout supplements – It boosts muscle protein synthesis.

What is betaine used for?

Uses for Betaine HCL Supplements. 1. Digestion. As we age, the amount of stomach acid we produce declines. This can lead to conditions such as GERD (acid reflux and indigestion). Stomach acid also plays a key role in killing much of the harmful bacteria that threaten your intestines.

What compound is used to make betaine?

This works thanks to a compound called methionine, which gets created as the body processes the betaine.

Can you take Betaine HCL with Aspirin?

Dr. Jonathan Wright says betaine HCL can interact with certain pharmaceuticals, including: Aspirin. Indocin . Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc) As with any supplement, it’s a good idea to discuss betaine HCL with your doctor before taking it – particularly if your intention is to use it to treat a health condition.

Is there a supplement for betaine?

There are several betaine HCL supplements out there. You want to make sure you’re getting one from a reputable company. Here are a few good options:

Does betaine help with cardiovascular disease?

One study looked at the effects of long-term betaine supplement consumption and found something rather interesting – the nutrient greatly lowers one’s risk of death from cardiovascular disease by reducing this initial inflammation.

Why don't you need betaine HCl?

That said, if you eat a meal lacking protein, you probably don’t need Betaine HCl because even a healthy stomach wouldn’t have naturally secreted much gastric acid anyway. For example, if you eat a salad for lunch without any protein… taking Betaine HCl could prove painful and unnecessary.

What brand of betaine HCl contains pepsin?

Solution: Stick with Betaine HCl brands that contain pepsin, like the one we custom formulated after years of testing, called “ HCL Guard+. “

Can you take betaine HCl without pepsin?

I will say, I have read a few examples of people that were sensitive to pepsin and if that’s the case for you, taking a Betaine HCl supplement without pepsin could help. However, from what I can tell in the literature it’s extremely rare.

Is betaine HCl good for you?

Find out if these common Betaine HCl mistakes are making you sicker. This might seem crazy, but stomach acid really is good for you. Without it, your health suffers. In fact, taking Betaine HCl to improve my stomach acid saved my digestion. And if you’re unknowingly suffering from Low Stomach Acid like I was, it could help you too.

Can you take more betaine HCl?

1) This is an average , so many people need to take more Betaine HCl and many people need to take less. You have to figure the custom dosage that works for you ( more instructions on that here ).

Does a stomach that doesn't produce enough HCl make enough pepsin?

The above screencap is part of one of my crazy digestion mind maps. In it, you should see that a stomach that doesn’t produce enough H Cl also won’t make enough pepsin.

Can betaine HCl be taken with low stomach acid?

If you’re someone with low stomach acid and you take Betaine HCl properly, it can be a “magic pill” for you. It can be the one supplement that dramatically improves your digestive symptoms.

What is the use of betaine HCL?

The uses of betaine HCL include promotion of healthy stomach pH, enhancement of protein and vitamin absorption, reduction of symptoms of gastroesophage al reflux disease, reduction of symptoms of food allergies, etc.

What is the difference between betaine and betaine HCl?

More importantly, betaine is a modified amino acid compound containing glycine with three methyl groups, while Betaine HCl is betaine hydrochloride which is a chemical compound that is produced in laboratories.

What is Betaine?

Betaine is a modified amino acid compound containing glycine with three methyl groups. These methyl groups can serve as a methyl donor in several metabolic processes and is also useful in treating rare genetic causes of homocystinuria. It is abbreviated as BET and is an amino acid that has potential benefits for fighting heart diseases, improvement of body composition, and helping the promotion of muscle gain and fat loss.

What are betaines in biology?

Typically in biological systems, there are naturally occurring betaines that serve as organic osmolytes. These compounds synthesize inside organisms or are taken up from the environment through cells. This taking up of the compounds is helpful in protection against osmotic stress, drought, high salinity, or high temperature.

Is betaine a zwitterion?

Therefore, we can identify betaine as a specific type of zwitterion.