Betaine Hydrochloride









Betaine Hydrochloride


Natural product category
Nutraceutical
What is this natural product used for?
Betaine hydrochloride (HCl) is used as a digestive aid. It is given orally as a source of hydrochloric acid in individuals with little or no stomach acid. It has also been used to increase potassium levels and as a liver protectant.
How does it work?
Betaine HCl contains 23% hydrochloric acid. It is a direct provider of this substance to the stomach and gastrointestinal system.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this product with food, particularly high protein foods.
  • Take this product at a similar time every day.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this natural product?
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • If you have had a stomach ulcer or bleeding, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Use caution if you have lung disease. This includes asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or if you use an inhaled medicine such as albuterol or ipratropium. This product can cause wheezing or spasm in the lung.
  • Avoid potassium-containing salt substitutes and potassium supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines or natural products. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control that you can trust while taking this product.
  • Do not use if you are breast-feeding.
What are the possible side effects of this natural product?
  • Belly pain and cramps.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
  • Stomach bleeding or ulceration. Watch stools for dark, tarry black color. Talk with healthcare provider.
What should I monitor?
  • Watch for unusual swelling of the legs or belly, shortness of breath, weight gain, or exercise tolerance.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider on a regular basis.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe diarrhea.
  • Blood in stool and toilet bowl.
  • Vomiting blood.
How should I store this natural product?
  • Store in original container at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
Dietary sources
Beets
Dosage forms
Oral
Drug interactions
Medications that decrease stomach acid: H2 antagonists, proton pump inhibitors, antacids
General statements
  • Nutraceuticals are a type of dietary supplement that provide a specific amount of a substance that offers possible health benefits.
  • Nutraceutical products are almost always obtained from plant or animal sources.
  • In general, nutraceutical doses are much higher than the amount that could be obtained from food sources.
  • These products have the potential to provide significant benefits and possible risks. Use nutraceuticals with caution if you are taking pharmaceutical medications (prescription and others), herbs, or other natural products. Always review for potential nutraceutical-drug, nutraceutical-herb, and nutraceutical-natural product interactions with your healthcare provider.
Brand Names: