Betaine hydrochloride's therapeutic uses
Betaine hydrochloride is a natural substance typically used as a dietary supplement to enhance stomach acid levels, which some alternative medicine practitioners believe is important for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. It is commonly recommended for a variety of health concerns, including asthma, digestive issues, excess Candida, food allergies, hay fever, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and ulcers. The theory behind its use hinges on the belief that low stomach acid may lead to incomplete digestion, potentially resulting in various allergic reactions and digestive problems.
This supplement is usually taken in pill form, with dosages ranging from 325 to 650 milligrams taken with meals. While some small studies suggest that betaine hydrochloride effectively increases stomach acid, these studies often lack rigorous scientific backing. Consequently, its effectiveness for the aforementioned conditions remains largely unverified by substantial research. Additionally, safety concerns arise for individuals with ulcers or esophageal reflux, and usage in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and those with severe liver or kidney disease is not well-studied. Despite its ban in over-the-counter medications by the FDA in 1993, betaine hydrochloride remains available as a supplement and is often explored by those seeking alternative health solutions.
Betaine hydrochloride's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural substance used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: None
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Asthma, digestive problems, excess Candida, food allergies, hay fever, heartburn, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcers
Overview
When taken as a supplement, betaine hydrochloride, an acidic form of betaine (a natural substance found in foods such as grains), provides extra hydrochloric acid in the stomach. A major branch of alternative medicine known as naturopathy has long held that low stomach acid is a widespread problem that interferes with digestion and the absorption of nutrients. Betaine hydrochloride is one of the most common recommendations for this proposed condition, along with apple cider vinegar, another alternative treatment option.
Betaine without the hydrochloride molecule attached is also sold as a supplement. In this chemically different form, it is called trimethylglycine; it is not acidic and has completely different properties.
Requirements and Sources
Betaine hydrochloride is not an essential nutrient, and no food sources exist.
Therapeutic Dosages
Betaine hydrochloride is typically taken in pill form at dosages ranging from 325 to 650 milligrams (mg) with each meal.
Therapeutic Uses
Based on theories about the importance of stomach acid to overall health, betaine hydrochloride has been recommended for various problems, including asthma, digestive problems, excess Candida, food allergies, hay fever, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis. Since adequate stomach acid is necessary to absorb vitamins and minerals, betaine hydrochloride may also help with nutrient absorption. Given such broadly encompassing uses, it is unsurprising that there is very little scientific research on its effectiveness for any of these conditions.
Many naturopathic physicians also believe that betaine hydrochloride can heal ulcers and esophageal reflux (heartburn). This sounds paradoxical because conventional treatment for those conditions involves reducing stomach acid, while betaine hydrochloride increases it. However, according to one theory, lack of stomach acid leads to incomplete digestion of proteins, and these proteins cause allergic reactions and other responses that lead to digestive problems, which in turn cause ulcers and heartburn. Again, scientific evidence is lacking. Small studies have appeared to confirm the ability of betaine hydrochloride to increase stomach acid. However, the studies were out-of-date and used flawed methodology. Other studies that showed benefits for digestive issues had similar problems and provided only anecdotal or theoretical evidence.
Safety Issues
Betaine hydrochloride should not be used by those with ulcers or esophageal reflux (heartburn) except on the advice of a physician. This supplement seldom causes serious side effects, but it has not been put through rigorous safety studies. In particular, safety for young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established. In 1993, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of betaine hydrochloride in over-the-counter medicines. However, because the FDA does not regulate supplements, it is still available for use.
Bibliography
"Betaine Hydrochloride – Health Information Library." PeaceHealth, www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/hn-2808009. Accessed 5 Sept. 2024.
"Betaine Hydrochloride Uses, Benefits & Side Effects." Drugs.com, 14 Dec. 2016, www.drugs.com/npc/betaine-hydrochloride.html. Accessed 18 Aug. 2023.
"Dietary Supplements." FDA, 21 Feb. 2024, www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements. Accessed 5 Sept. 2024.
Guilliams, Thomas G, and Lindsey E Drake. "Meal-Time Supplementation with Betaine HCl for Functional Hypochlorhydria: What is the Evidence?" Integrative Medicine, vol. 19, no. 1, 2020, pp. 32-36.
Pereira, R. S. "Regression of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms Using Dietary Supplementation with Melatonin, Vitamins, and Amino Acids: Comparison with Omeprazole." Journal of Pineal Research, vol. 41, 2006, pp. 195-200.