Betaine Hydrochloride: An Unlikely Supplement?

Problems with Insufficient Stomach Acid

Some naturopaths believe that low stomach acid is found in many people, hampering good digestion and increasing the chances of opportunistic bacterial and parasitic infections that are normally destroy by the stomach’s digestive actions as well as leading to a host of other problems. A study in Annals of Internal Medicine [1] found that those with low levels of hydrochloric acid also had bacterial colonization in the intestines while those with normal levels did not (this excludes the healthy bacterial found in the gut). Apple cider vinegar is often recommended for the same purpose. There are a number of problems that supplementation with betaine hydrochloride are said to help. These include anemia, asthma, atherosclerosis, diarrhea, candida, allergies to food, inner ear infections, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid problems [2].

Dosage and Side Effects

Various sources recommend dosages of tablets or capsules containing between 325 to 650 mg of betaine hydrochloride to be taken with each meal. Protein should be a part of these meals. No interactions with other drugs have been noted, and side effects are said to be rare.

Controversial Uses

There are some naturopathic physicians who hypothesize betaine hydrochloride will improve or heal ulcers or reflux disease. This may sound a bit of a paradox because the normal way of treating these conditions is to use drugs and dietary measures to decrease stomach acid rather than increase it with a supplement. The theory in this case is that having an undersupply of digestive acid means proteins are not sufficiently digested, which in turn leads to allergic reactions as well as other problems that may lead to ulcers and heartburn.

Trimethylglicine (TMG)

TMG is manufactured in the body and helps destroy homocysteine, which has been shown to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease if it accumulates to high levels in the body. The diet is not a good source of TMG although it is found in nuts and seeds and some grains. However, most of this source gets destroyed in processing or cooking foods. There are no certain recommendations for dosage, and commonly suggestions amounts range from 375 to 3,000 mg a day. The problem with use of this supplement is that it can increase cholesterol levels, thus possibly negating the benefits of reducing homocysteine.

Warning

Taking too much betaine hydrochloride can cause burns of the stomach lining. If a burning sensation is felt, the supplement should be stopped immediately. Under no circumstances should anyone take more than 650 mg unless recommended by a doctor. Do not take this product if you have ulcers or GERD (esophageal reflux disease), gastritis, or if taking medications such as NSAIDs or cortisone drugs that might cause peptic ulcers Studies have not established the safety of this supplement for young children, pregnant or nursing women, or patients with liver or kidney disease.

References

[1]. Giannella RA, Broitman SA, Zamcheck N. Influence of gastric acidity on bacterial and parasitic enteric infections. Ann Intern Med 1973;78:271-6.

[2]. Bratman, Steven, and David Kroll. Natural Health Bible. (Prima Publishing, 1999), p. 134.

The information in this article should not be considered medical advice. The information in this article is not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe or cure any ailment. Always check with your physician before taking any products or following any advice you have read on Brighthub.com. Always consult your doctor before you start, stop or change anything that has been previously prescribed. Certain herbs and holistic remedies are unsuitable to take if you are pregnant or nursing and must always be cleared by your doctor before use.