What is betaine hcl good for?
Betaine hcl, which is short for betaine hydrochloride, is a man-made derivative of betaine, also known as trimethylglycine, an amino acid that can be found in several plants.
The term betaine technically refers to a whole group of compounds that meet certain chemical criteria, and as trimethylglycine was the first such compound to be discovered (in sugar beets, no less), it inherited the semi-official title of betaine, although technically betaine and betaine hydrochloride are two different chemicals.
As a digestive aid
Betaine hydrochloride is rather acidic, and is often prescribed by health professionals as a supplemental form of hydrochloric acid for people who suffer from a deficiency of natural stomach acid production, a condition which is known as hypochlorhydria, so that they can digest food more easily.
However, care should be taken when using betaine hydrochloride, as it could potentially damage the stomach lining if not used correctly!
When should I take betaine hcl?
As betaine hydrochloride's benefits are mainly derived from it's immediate action within the stomach, rather than from any subsequent absorption via the intestinal tract, there is no particular concern regarding the best time of day for taking it, as it depends entirely on whichever time of day you have your meals.
That said, it should be taken preferably with the largest meal of the day, in order to avoid damage to the stomach lining.
What should I avoid taking betaine hcl with?
It is recommended to avoid anything that contains alcohol while taking betaine hydrochloride.
Who should avoid taking betaine hcl supplements?
People with stomach ulcers or gastritis
Betaine hydrochloride raises the level of acidity in the stomach, and should therefore never be taken without food. Neither should it be taken by anyone who has stomach ulcers, or is suffering from any condition that affects the stomach lining, such as gastritis, as it can potentially make symptoms much worse.
What are natural sources of betaine hcl?
There are no natural sources of betaine hydrochloride, as this is a man-made compound, however natural sources of betaine itself include beetroot, spinach, and whole grains such as quinoa, wheat, oat bran and brown rice, as well as seafood.
Betaine HCl data sources & further reading
Last updated by Asklepios on 30th January, 2025