Betaine HCl

Silver· human data

Also known as: Betaine hydrochloride

Used to add stomach acid for digestion, with mostly anecdotal support.

Betaine hydrochloride is taken to raise stomach acidity, on the theory that low stomach acid impairs the digestion of protein and absorption of minerals and B12 — more common with age or acid-suppressing drugs.

The concept is plausible and there is some pharmacological support that it transiently lowers gastric pH, but robust outcome trials are lacking and most support is anecdotal. It should be avoided by anyone with ulcers or on acid-reducing medication without medical advice.

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Written and reviewed by Mathew Beale, MSc Biotechnology, University of Reading.

Last reviewed: