Betaine hydrochloride
Betaine hydrochloride

Background

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.
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.

Effectiveness

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.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions

Dosing & administration

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.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

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).

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 31/05/2023 10:00:00. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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