Betaine Hydrochloride (HCl) is a very useful chemical and it is mainly used for the treatment of low level of potassium. AAPS J. While some studies have shown that betaine HCL can increase short-term stomach acid levels, more research is needed to test the safety and efficacy of this supplement as well as its long-term effects. However, a visit to most mainstream medical websites will advise you, “Do not take Betaine HCL”. Betaine HCL can rapidly affect stomach acid levels, with a measurable albeit short-term impact within three to six minutes, per a 2013 study published in Molecular Pharmaceutics. Betaine HCL can rapidly affect stomach acid levels, with a measurable albeit short-term impact within three to six minutes, per a 2013 study published in Molecular Pharmaceutics . It took me a few days to get used to Betaine as I was so unknowingly deficient. Who should take Betaine HCl? In light of this reality, it’s essential that you consult with a healthcare professional before you start taking it. In one study of 6 healthy adults with drug-induced hypochlorhydria, a single 1500 mg dose of betaine HCl significantly lowered gastric pH (increased acidity) within six minutes for all volunteers. I just take a Betaine HCl before every meal (two pills if its a very high protein meal). This may help counteract the effect of certain drugs and in turn aid in the absorption of other drugs, per a 2014 study. That said, more studies are needed to fully examine this potential effect. Betaine hydrochloride, despite its chemical-sounding name, is actually an organic compound found naturally in foods like sugar beets, grains and spinach. I did also buy some apple cider vinegar so wonder if that would be better to start off with? Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. ... (I am feeling better and my blood work is getting better). Is it worth to buy and use Betaine HCL? Some doctors may recommend betaine HCL as a source of hydrochloric acid for people who do not produce enough of it due to a health condition called hypochlorhydria. Some advocate digestive bitters but i haven't used these. With their help, you can make an educated decision in light of any potential risks or medication interactions based on your personal medical history. If you have not belched within five minutes stop timing. Be sure to let your doctor know if you have a personal history of esophageal reflux or ulcers before you begin taking betaine HCL … Betaine hydrochloride is one type of supplement that can be a source of hydrochloric acid for people who have low stomach acid production (hypochlorhydria). View abstract. Many mistake low stomach acid for high. People should not take more than 10 grains (650 mg) of betaine HCl without the recommendation of a physician. Furthermore, betaine anhydrous is an osmotic compound and promotes cellular hydration, much like creatine does. Currently, there is no recommended dosage for betaine HCL. Now, onto your questions. Small meals or snacks do not require as many HCl capsules as large meals. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Take extra care so you do not mix them up as they are used for different illnesses. Betaine hydrochloride (HCl) may help to raise the level of acid in the stomach. It is used as medicine. Betaine hydrochloride used to be included in over-the-counter (OTC) products as a "stomach acidifier and digestive aid." I would recommend about two tablets of around 650 – 1000mg no more than two minutes before eating your main meals of the day. In the past year, it's probably been on for 10 months. What is Betaine Hydrochloride (HCL) and How Does it Work? If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid taking betaine HCL since there’s no information on how it may affect you or your baby. Betaine is supposed to replace the missing gastric acid and also hopefully encourage your own secretion. If a supplement manufacturer or promoter is making big, unsubstantiated claims, that’s a red flag. It is used as medicine. Recent market is packed up with huge Betaine HCL supplements which are dangerous to use as they do not contain pepsin within it. “It’s very common for people to stop short of their needed Betaine HCL dosage. As digestion improves, the amount of HCl supplements can be lowered until finally a person wouldn’t require them any longer. It’s important to keep in mind that little is known about betaine HCL and how it may (or may not) work for various health conditions. July 2015. This helps maintain cellular integrity and water balance. Seven per meal would be high, but not unheard of. In the past year, it's probably been on for 10 months. I only ever had to buy these twice – and most people who have done it more regularly say that they usually get about one bottle every 3-4 months. Keep trying and if you are still too acidic, switch to ACV. The amount of hcl I am taking seems like a lot and seems to make no difference in my gi, burps, gas, etc.., does this mean I may not need hcl, should I continue to increase or can I just go back down to a lower amount and still have … I … He suggested I take 2 different B Vitamins (I don’t have them with me now, at work so I don’t recall which B Vitamins). It’s very common for people to stop short of their needed Betaine HCL dosage. If Betaine is too strong for you, apple cider vinegar or even lemon juice will have the same effect, just much lesser strength. Are you taking the 7 Betaine HCl pills with each meal or per day? Betaine hydrochloride (HCl) may help to raise the level of acid in the stomach. Because more research is needed on betaine hydrochloride and the FDA does not regulate supplements, it’s best to lean on your doctor and pharmacist for help choosing the right supplement for you. If you have low stomach acid, you can then take it to help restore your HCl levels. I'm just a bit concerned as I've only taken 1 tablet each meal! The thyroid "great and good?" For these reasons, make sure to consult with your doctor before you take it. Betaine is supposed to replace the missing gastric acid and also hopefully encourage your own secretion. Because betaine HCL can boost the amount of hydrochloric acid in your stomach, it may irritate stomach ulcers or prevent them from getting better. Integr Med (Encinitas). Hi again all - I was recently diagnosed with silent reflux and prescribed Omaprozal, which I took for a couple of days and made my entire body feel more acidic than I have ever known (I hadn't actually had any feelings of acid, just the sore throats from the reflux). Once you have found your threshold, your typical dose will be one pill less than the maximum. When used appropriately and under the correct diagnosis, Betaine HCl can have seemingly magical effects on conditions like acne, eczema, asthma, idiopathic malnutrition, GERD and other digestive issues. Betaine hydrochloride is a chemical substance made in a laboratory. How long does it take for Zoloft to work – or “kick in”? According to medical research your body is not capable of producing enough pepsin just alike stomach acid. Betaine hydrochloride is the hydrochloride form of betaine. It is believed to increase stomach acid. Take with one caspule of the stomach enzymes (optional) Most people I’ve worked with or spoken to have said results occur after a week and they can reduce down to 1-2 after 3 weeks. Kines K, Krupczak T. Nutritional interventions for gastroesophageal reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, and hypochlorhydria: A case report. 3. Betaine Hydrochloride (HCl) is very essential for our body as it provides support to the digestive system. It may also help with some bowel problems. Betaine hydrochloride used to be included in over-the-counter products as a "stomach acidifier and digestive aid." How long does it take betaine HCL to work? More research is needed to elucidate many potential health benefits of betaine hydrochloride supplements. Betaine HCL should never be taken without pepsin. Other purported effects of betaine HCL have not been adequately studied.. Otherwise, despite many claims from promoters and alternative medicine practitioners, there is insufficient evidence that betaine HCL can be taken for any of the following reasons: While betaine HCL does deliver hydrochloric acid, research has only revealed a short-term effect on stomach acid content. Don't supplement Betaine with NSAIDS or a stomach ulcer. Comprehensive blood tests should reveal borderline diabetes 4. Do I persist or would you guys advising stopping altogether? In theory, if your stomach is producing adequate amounts of stomach acid you’ll likely belch within two to three minutes. That’s far from the truth. However, ACV doesn't contain all of the enzymes, the Now Super Enzymes has 11 active ingredients other than Betaine HCl. This will not only improve your digestion but also bring you relief from uncomfortable symptoms. The safety and efficacy of betaine HCl supplements have not been clinically evaluated in children or pregnant or breastfeeding women. Although you can still find betaine HCL in the form of a dietary supplement, few studies have been done to elucidate what effects it may have. low stomach acid. Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them. 2016;15(4):49-53. Betaine hydrochloride has an interesting history. I've had acid reflux on and off for 5 years. The Health Benefits of Collagen Supplements, The use of betaine HCl to enhance dasatinib absorption in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria, Nutritional interventions for gastroesophageal reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, and hypochlorhydria: A case report, Gastric reacidification with betaine HCl in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria, Reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). How Betaine HCL (with Pepsin) Can Help. Please report back if you try this. I was wondering for those who started to take Betaine HCL to acid reflux, how long were you on this regiment before you noticed an improvement in your acid reflux? This is because adverse symptoms are most likely to occur in individuals with the lowest levels of stomach acid because of atrophic gastritis (a thinned-out stomach lining), which is more sensitive to even small quantities of HCL than a normal, thicker stomach lining. Betaine hydrochloride has an interesting history. 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