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evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Compound

Betaine HCl

Stomach acid supplement used for hypochlorhydria; controversial.

Gut Health

Overview

Stomach acid supplement used for hypochlorhydria; controversial.

Natural sources
  • Synthesized
Common forms
  • Betaine HCl + pepsin

Mechanism of action

Provides exogenous HCl in capsule form to lower gastric pH.

Pathways
  • · Gastric acidification

Effects on the body

Supports
Protein digestion (if hypochlorhydric)

Organ system effects

Digestive / Gut

May help iron/B12 absorption in hypochlorhydria.

Evidence-based benefits

Improves drug absorption in PPI-induced hypochlorhydria (small studies)

Limited evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Heartburn
Rare
    Serious
    • · Gastritis or ulcer worsening

    Drug interactions

    NSAIDs / corticosteroids
    Ulcer risk.
    moderate

    Supplement interactions

    Pairs well with

    None listed.

    Avoid combining with
    • Active peptic ulcer
      Worsens.

    Dosing & bioavailability

    Typical dose
    300–650 mg with protein meals

    Where to buy

    Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

    Compound
    Betaine HCl
    Amazon
    Wide selection · fast shipping
    Compound
    Betaine HCl
    iHerb
    Global delivery · curated brands
    Compound
    Betaine HCl
    Thorne
    Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

    Scientific evidence (8)

    RCTMol Pharm · 2013

    Betaine HCl restores gastric acidity in hypochlorhydria

    Yago MR, et al.

    Crossover trial of betaine HCl during pharmacologically induced hypochlorhydria.

    Key findings

    Rapidly lowered gastric pH below 3.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Betaine HCl — Improves drug absorption in PPI-induced hypochlorhydria

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Betaine HCl Improves drug absorption in PPI-induced hypochlorhydria" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Betaine HCl and "Improves drug absorption in PPI-induced hypochlorhydria". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Betaine HCl — randomized controlled trial

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Betaine HCl randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Betaine HCl and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Betaine HCl — meta-analysis

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Betaine HCl meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Betaine HCl and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Betaine HCl — pharmacokinetics

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Betaine HCl pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Betaine HCl and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Betaine HCl — safety adverse events

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Betaine HCl safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Betaine HCl and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

    PubMed: Betaine HCl — dose response

    Live PubMed search

    Live results for "Betaine HCl dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

    Key findings

    Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Betaine HCl and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

    Open study
    Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

    Google Scholar: Betaine HCl — clinical evidence

    Live Scholar search

    Cross-database citation index for Betaine HCl as it relates to "clinical evidence".

    Key findings

    Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

    Open study
    Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.