Betaine is found naturally in the body. Betaine hydrochloride is a man-made form of betaine previously used as a source of hydrochloric acid.
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.
Betaine hydrochloride is used for many conditions, including diarrhea, increasing stomach acid, and others, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.
Don't confuse betaine hydrochloride with betaine anhydrous.
Is It Effective?
There is interest in using betaine hydrochloride for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
When taken by mouth: Betaine hydrochloride is possibly safe when taken as a single dose. There isn't enough reliable information to know if betaine hydrochloride is safe when taken in multiple doses. It might cause heartburn.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if betaine hydrochloride is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. 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.
Antacids
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Antacids are used to decrease stomach acid. Betaine hydrochloride can increase stomach acid. Taking betaine hydrochloride might decrease the effects of antacids.
Medications that decrease stomach acid (H2-blockers)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
H2-blockers are used to decrease stomach acid. Betaine hydrochloride can increase stomach acid. Taking betaine hydrochloride might decrease the effects of H2-blockers.
Some common H2-blockers include cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac), and famotidine (Pepcid).
Medications that decrease stomach acid (Proton pump inhibitors)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Proton pump inhibitors are used to decrease stomach acid. Betaine hydrochloride can increase stomach acid. Taking betaine hydrochloride might decrease the effects of proton pump inhibitors.
Some common proton pump inhibitors include omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), rabeprazole (Aciphex), pantoprazole (Protonix), and esomeprazole (Nexium).
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of betaine hydrochloride might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
Acide Chlorhydrique de Bétaïne, Betaine Chlorhydrate, Betaine HCl, Bétaïne HCl, Betaine Hydrochloric Acid, Chlorhidrato de Betaína, Chlorhydrate de Bétaïne, Chlorhydrate de Triméthylglycine, Glycine Betaine Hydrochloric acid, Trimethylglycine hydrochloride.
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