Betaine HCl - Dietary SupplementsBetaine hydrochloride
|
Natural Health Information that is accurate, objective, science-based and represents the current state of research is the most sought-after information category today. Natural Health Information On Demand, NHIOndemand, is the leading source for this valuable science-based natural health information.
|
©2000-2008 CCG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Introduction |
Betaine hydrochloride is a form of hydrochloride acid that is derived from beets, although one cannot get a therapeutic level of Betaine HCL from simply eating beets. It is commonly used as a digestive enzyme by individuals who do not produce enough hydrochloric acid to digest the proteins that they eat. It has been estimated that approximately 30% of elderly adults have insufficient production of hydrochloric acid in their stomach.( 1) The clinical terms for people with limited or a lack of hydrochloric acid secretion are hypochlorhydria and achlorhydria. Without enough hydrochloric acid, the body may have difficulty absorbing nutrients because it is the hydrochloric acid that continues the digestive process by breaking down the foods we eat. This means that a low level of hydrochloric acid can be a contributing factor in numerous other clinical conditions such as asthma, atherosclerosis, candida yeast infections, gastritis,( 2) and rheumatoid arthritis.( 3)
While Betaine hydrochloride may be beneficial in some of these conditions, there have been no studies to confirm this. |
| Dosage Range |
|
50 mg to 650 mg per meal.
|
| Most Common Dosage |
|
None established; dosage varies widely according to individual need.
|
| Dosage Forms |
|
Tablets and capsules
|
| Reported Uses |
There have been no clinical studies to date to verify the use of Betaine hydrochloride in humans. However, it is presently being used as a dietary supplement to support the digestive process. Betaine hydrochloride facilitates the conversion of pepsinogen to pepsin, which is required for the proper digestion of protein in the stomach.
Betaine hydrochloride may also help individuals who do not produce sufficient natural hydrochloric acid to maintain the correct pH level in the stomach. Proper gastric acidity provides a natural protective barrier against most bacteria entering the G.I. tract through the mouth.(4) |
| Toxicities & Precautions |
|
Be sure to tell your pharmacist, doctor, or other health care providers about any dietary supplements you are taking. There may be a potential for interactions or side effects.
|
| General |
|
This dietary supplement is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines. However, excessively large doses may cause a "heartburn" type of feeling resulting from too much stomach acid. Drinking several glasses of water will dilute the acid and should relieve the discomfort.
|
| Health Conditions |
If you have esophageal reflux, ulcers or at high risk for developing an ulcer such as individuals who regularly take aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), you should not use betaine HCl without a doctor's supervision because it may worsen these conditions.( 5) |
| Pregnancy/Breast-Feeding |
|
This dietary supplement should not be used if you are pregnant or breast-feeding an infant without first consulting a physician.To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects related to fetal development during pregnancy or to infants who are breast-fed. Yet little is known about the use of this dietary supplement while pregnant or breast-feeding. Therefore, it is recommended that you inform your healthcare practitioner of any dietary supplements you are using while pregnant or breast-feeding.
|
| Age Limitations |
|
To date, the medical literature has not reported any adverse effects specifically related to the use of this dietary supplement in children. Since young children may have undiagnosed allergies or medical conditions, this dietary supplement should not be used in children under 10 years of age unless recommended by a physician.
|
Links
Content provided by NHI OnDemand, the trusted online source of current natural health & wellness information.
References
This information is educational in context and is not to be used to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Please consult your licensed health care practitioner before using this or any medical information.
©2000-2008 CCG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.