Betaine Hydrochloride

Betaine Hydrochloride
(Hydrochloric Acid)

What does it do? The digestive process takes place as food passes through the mouth, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. One of the most important parts of digestion occurs in the stomach, where gastric (stomach) acid helps break down proteins for further digestion in the small intestine.
A low level of gastric acid increases the likelihood and severity of certain bacterial and parasitic intestinal infections. A normal stomach’s level of gastric acid is sufficient to destroy bacteria.¹ In one study, most fasting patients who had normal gastric acid in the stomach had virtually no bacteria in the small intestine. In those with low hydrochloric acid levels, there was some bacterial colonization of the stomach.²
Where is it found? Gastric acid is produced by the parietal cells of the stomach. The acidity is quite strong in a normal stomach. In fact, the stomach can be between 100,000 and almost 1,000,000 times more acidic than water.
In what conditions might betaine hydrochloride be supportive?

• allergy• anemia • asthma • atherosclerosis

• diarrhea • gallstones • indigestion and heartburn

• rheumatoid arthritis• thyroid conditions • tic douloureaux • vitiligo • yeast infection

Who is likely to be deficient? Some nutritionally oriented physicians have found that most of their adult patients suffering from chronic health problems, such as allergies,³ asthma,⁴ and gallstones,⁵ do not produce adequate amounts of stomach acid.
How much should I take? Betaine hydrochloride (HCl) is the most common hydrochloric acid-containing supplement.  Normally it comes in tablets or capsules measured in grains or milligrams. Some nutritionally oriented doctors recommend taking one or more tablets or capsules each 5-10 grains (325-650 mg), with a meal that contains protein.
Occasionally, betaine is recommended to reduce blood levels of a substance called homocysteine, which is associated with heart disease. This form of betaine is different from betaine HCl.
Are there any side effects or interactions? Large amounts of HCl can burn the lining of the stomach. If a burning sensation is experienced, HCl should be immediately discontinued. The normal stomach produces about the same amount of HCl as is found in twenty 10-grain tablets or capsules. However, people should not take more than 10 grains (650 mg) of HCl without the recommendation of a nutritionally oriented physician. All people with gastrointestinal symptoms —particularly heartburn— should see a nutritionally oriented doctor before taking HCl.
HCl helps make some minerals and other nutrients more absorbable.^{6 7 8} Aspirin-containing compounds and other anti-inflammatory medicines, such as cortisone, can cause the stomach to bleed. People taking such medicines should discontinue taking HCl.
References:
1. Giannella RA, Broitman SA, Zamcheck N. Influence of gastric acidity on bacterial and parasitic enteric infections. Ann Int Med 1973;78:271-6.
2. Giannella RA, Broitman SA, Zamcheck N. Influence of gastric acidity on bacterial and parasitic enteric infections. Ann Int Med 1973;78:271-6.
3. Kokkonen J, Simila S, Herva R. Impaired gastric function in children with cow’s milk intolerance. Eur J Ped 1979;132:1-6.
4. Gillespie M. Hypochlorhydria in asthma with specific reference to the age incidence. Quart J Med 1935;4:397-405.
5. Fravel RC. The occurrence of hypochlorhydria in gall-bladder disease. Am J Med Sci 1920;159:512-7.
6. Murray MJ, Stein N. A gastric factor promoting iron absorption. Lancet 1968;1:614.
7. Russell RM et al. Correction of impaired folic acid (Pte Glu) absorption by orally administered HCl in subjects with gastric atrophy. Am J Clin Nutr 1984;39:656.
8. Ivanovich P et al. The absorption of calcium carbonate. Ann Intern Med 1967;66:917.