Betaine HCl
Also known as: betaine hydrochloride, trimethylglycine hydrochloride, TMG HCl, acid betaine
Betaine hydrochloride is the acidic salt of trimethylglycine, a dry crystalline powder that releases hydrochloric acid when it dissolves in the stomach. It is used in digestive formulas positioned for people with low stomach acid, often combined with pepsin and taken at the start of protein-rich meals. A pharmacokinetic study in healthy volunteers whose stomach acid was suppressed with a proton-pump inhibitor showed that 1,500 mg of betaine HCl transiently re-acidified gastric contents. It is distinct from betaine anhydrous, the neutral form used in sports nutrition, and the two are not interchangeable.
Research summary
Dissociates in gastric fluid to lower stomach pH temporarily; studied for re-acidification in drug-induced hypochlorhydria.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 500–1,500 mg | 1,500 mg | — |
Take 500–1,500 mg at the start of a meal containing protein; the re-acidification effect in the healthy-volunteer study lasted roughly an hour. Not for use by people with gastric or duodenal ulcers, gastritis, or reflux symptoms, or alongside NSAIDs or corticosteroids. Do not take on an empty stomach.
Standardization: ≥98% betaine hydrochloride (USP grade)
Source material: synthetic
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Strongly acidic and sour; capsule or tablet only. Unsuitable for powders, gummies, and liquids.
Formulation notes
Acidic and hygroscopic; can degrade acid-sensitive co-ingredients (probiotics, some enzymes) in the same capsule. Counteracts antacids and acid-suppressing drugs. Not for users with ulcers or gastritis.
- Notable drug interactions
Sources
- Gastric reacidification with betaine HCl in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. (Yago 2013)PubMed
- The use of betaine HCl to enhance dasatinib absorption in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. (Yago 2014)PubMed
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database — betaine HCl productsNIH DSLD
Related ingredients
Probiotic Blend (Multi-Strain)
ProbioticA generic placeholder for a multi-strain probiotic blend, typically combining several Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species and sometimes Streptococcus thermophilus or a Bacillus spore.
Typical: 10–50 B CFU
Magnesium Oxide
MineralThe most concentrated magnesium source at about 60% elemental magnesium, which is why it dominates in multivitamins and small tablets.
Typical: 200–350 mg
Inulin (Chicory Root Fiber)
PrebioticInulin is a soluble, fermentable fructan fiber extracted mainly from chicory root, though it also occurs in Jerusalem artichoke, agave, and onions.
Typical: 5–10 g
Piperine (Black Pepper Extract 95%)
BotanicalThe pungent alkaloid isolated from black pepper fruit, used in tiny amounts to raise the absorption of other ingredients rather than for its own effects.
Typical: 5–20 mg
Greens Blend (Generic)
OtherA generic greens blend is a placeholder for the dried plant powders typical of greens products: cereal grasses such as wheatgrass and barley grass, spirulina and chlorella, leafy vegetables like spinach and kale, and often fruit or vegetable extracts.
Typical: 3–10 g