PureBulk

Betaine Hydrochloride Versus Betaine Anhydrous (TMG) Purebulk sells both Betaine HCl and Betaine Anhydrous TMG. The HCl form has an extremely sour taste while the anhydrous has a mild, pleasant taste.

What is Betaine HCl?

Betaine hydrochloride (HCl) is an N-trimethylated form of the amino acid glycine with a chemical structure similar to choline.

Purebulk's betaine hydrochloride is a synthesized and manufactured chemical; it is not obtained from any plant or animal source. It is a compound comprised of betaine and hydrochloric acid. Betaine is metabolized in the body from choline, and is found in foods such as wheat, spinach, and sugar beets. Hydrochloric acid occurs naturally in the stomach (gastric acid), breaking down proteins and protecting the gastrointestinal tract from harmful bacteria.

Betaine HCl is helpful as a digestive aid, particularly for persons with insufficient acid production in the stomach. To support digestive health, betaine HCl supplies hydrochloric acid, a naturally occurring stomach acid. This helps break up fats and proteins in the small intestine for quicker digestion.

Health Benefits of Betaine HCl

Naturopaths have long held that low stomach acid is a widespread problem that interferes with the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Betaine hydrochloride is among the most suggested options for this condition.

Studies have been conducted on whether betaine may help reduce high levels of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood. Scientists are working to determine if a high homocysteine level has a direct negative effect on cardiovascular health or if it is simply a risk factor.

As a nutritional aid, betaine anhydrous promotes the oxidization of lipids. This is the result of enhancing the production of carnitine. Optimal levels of carnitine in the body contribute to overall physical fitness as fat is efficiently used to fuel the body.

Synonyms/ Other names:

Acidin; ACIDOL; Achylin; Acidine; Acinorm; BET HCl; Pluchine; Acipepsol; Acidogeno; BETAINE 30,1-Carboxy-N,N,N-trimethylmethanaminium chloride

Potential Side Effects of Betaine HCl

Betaine hydrochloride is generally safe at suggested serving sizes. In higher amounts occasional nausea, vomiting and diarrhea have been reported. Those suffering from advanced liver and kidney disease should not use betaine, and it is not recommended for pregnant and nursing women.

Please be aware that the pH of a betaine HCl solution is extremely low, making it very acidic (with a pH of about 1.0). We recommend Betaine HCl Capsules to avoid risk of irritation to the oral mucous membranes and/or erosion of tooth enamel. If an oral solution of betaine HCl is used, a straw will minimize contact of this very acidic solution with the teeth and mucous membranes, as well as rinsing with water after use.

Suggested Use of Betaine HCl

The suggested serving size for betaine HCl ranges from 600 milligrams to 1200 milligrams with or after meals, depending upon individual needs. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for Betaine HCl here. A serving size of 3/16 teaspoon will give 616 mg. A serving size of 3/8 teaspoon will give 1233 mg.

CAUTION: Rinse mouth if taking as an oral solution. Encapsulate to avoid risk of tooth enamel erosion. Discontinue use if chest or abdominal pain occurs.

Bioavailability, Mixing and Solubility of Betaine HCl

This food-grade betaine HCl has a highly sour and acidic taste but mixes and dissolves readily with water and tastes similar to artificial lemonade when sweetened with sugar or a sugar substitute. Please note betaine HCl differs remarkably in taste from Betaine Anhydrous. Also, please bear in mind the highly acidic nature of betaine HCl and the potential risk of tooth enamel damage when taken as an oral solution instead of capsules.

References & Further Research

University of Maryland Medical Center: Betaine

Pubmed: Low dose betaine supplementation leads to immediate and long term lowering of plasma homocysteine in healthy men and women


NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates herbal and other dietary supplements differently than conventional medicines. The standards for supplements are found in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), a federal law that defines dietary supplements and sets product-label­ing standards and health claim limits. To learn more about DSHEA, visit the FDA Web site.