What is Betaine Hydrochloride?
Betaine hydrochloride is a compound made from betaine and hydrochloric acid. Betaine, also called trimethylglycine or TMG, is a naturally occurring crystalline alkaloid in food sources like sugar beets, wheat, quinoa, and spinach. In our bodies, it is a by-product of choline and glycine. Betaine serves as a methyl donor so certain processes within the body can occur, such as homocysteine conversion to methionine. Homocysteine is an amino acid produced by the body, often as a by-product of meat consumption. Without enough betaine, our bodies will have elevated homocysteine levels linked to an increased risk of heart attacks and plaque formation within the cardiovascular system. Betaine is also crucial in protein metabolism and fat reduction.
On the other hand, Hydrochloride (HCl) is an acid with very low pH levels. The stomach produces it to support digestion, nutrient absorption, and immunity. It is sometimes referred to as the body’s natural digestant and disinfectant. A healthy gastrointestinal system produces about 3 to 4 quarts of HCl every day. A state of acidity in the stomach is not only normal but necessary.
Betaine hydrochloride is the hydrochloride form of betaine. Betaine HCl is popularly used as a supplement to increase gastric acidity, but as we will discuss later, it is beneficial to us in more ways than one.
Who should take Betaine Hydrochloride?
Betaine HCl is classified as a dietary supplement, so technically, anyone can choose to take it. However, specific individuals can reap more significant benefits from regular intake:
People with betaine deficiency
This condition is rare, especially in countries where wheat is considered a staple food. But despite the low stats, betaine deficiency is still a grave concern that we should be aware of. Low levels of betaine in the body may contribute to increased homocysteine levels in the blood. This phenomenon can potentially lead to plaque build-up and atherosclerosis. Betaine is necessary for converting homocysteine to methionine, an amino acid crucial for the growth of new blood vessels.
Individuals with low stomach acidity
It is estimated that more than 50% of the US population beyond 50 is regularly under-producing hydrochloric acid. This leads to numerous digestive problems and immune dysfunctions. Yet, we often hear people complain about hyperacidity because symptoms of low stomach acidity are very much similar to manifestations of too much acid. So when people feel a burning sensation in their chest and throat, many take the easy way out (or so they think) and pop a tablet or two of antacids. Taking antacids all the time disturbs the natural digestive process and often makes symptoms even worse.
How much betaine do we need?
There is no established daily recommended amount of betaine at the moment. However, information about suggested supplementation amounts is available depending on the specific conditions to be treated.
- 1000-2000 mg, 3x daily – for individuals with alcohol-induced fatty liver disease
- 650-2000 mg daily – for nutritional support in people with healthy hearts and livers
- 1500-2000 mg daily – for better athletic and overall physical performance
6 Benefits of Betaine Hydrochloride
1. Improves digestion
2. Supports osmoregulation (the natural balance of liquids and electrolytes in the body)
3. Helps protect the stomach from harmful organisms
4. Supports the gallbladder and liver
5. Boosts physical performance
6. Improves brain function
Betaine Hydrochloride and Digestion
When a person experiences heartburn, indigestion, reflux, or gas, the overproduction of stomach acid is often blamed. However, when checked professionally by a doctor, results often reveal that the problem is exactly the opposite.
With low stomach acid levels, the body cannot break down food. It means that the body won’t be able to absorb the nutrients coming from food, thus depriving the organ systems of the necessary vitamins and minerals for proper function. Putrefaction, or the rotting of undigested food, also happens. During this process, bacteria break down proteins and create an organic, toxic acid, causing bloating and painful gas. When food rots in the stomach, lactic acid is formed. This inflames and damages the stomach and may lead to a leaky gut. The lactic acid can also build up and rise up into the lower esophagus, causing heartburn or GERD. Abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, and other symptoms can be brought about by low acidity.
Betaine HCl before meals prep the stomach and helps in processing the incoming meal. Betaine HCl is absorbed through the enterocytes in the small intestine, which is also the entry site for the bile. From there, the compound is converted to betaine which helps create a suitable environment for digestion.
With Betaine HCl, the body is able to process and assimilate proteins, vitamin B12, iron, and calcium.
Betaine HCl and Osmoregulation
Osmo-what? Osmoregulation is the process of maintaining salt and water within the body despite factors like diet, temperature, and the environment. This basic bodily function ensures homeostasis or the balance state within each of us, including animals. Transfer of nutrients and removal of waste products are just two processes that are possible through osmoregulation.
Betaine is a natural osmolyte, an agent involved in cell volume regulation and osmosignalling. It keeps cells hydrated and improves its resilience when external conditions are not ideal. It also indirectly increases energy production, improves glucose breakdown, and boosts lactate productivity by stabilizing hydration. Betaine also protects proteins, enzymes, and cells from environmental stress through its role in osmoregulation.
Betaine HCl and Microorganisms
Having weak stomach acid or hypochlorhydria comes with digestive repercussions and makes the body more susceptible to infection.
Acid secretion in the stomach serves as the first line of defense against enteric or intestinal infections caused by the majority of ingested bacteria. One example is the H. pylori bacteria which contributes to peptic ulcers, leaky gut, and gastritis. It can also greatly affect our gallbladder and biliary system. If left untreated, H.pylori infection can be implicated in life-threatening conditions such as hepatitis, liver cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
In the presence of undigested food, harmful bacteria can also thrive. Low stomach acidity enhances the probability of SIBO or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Other pathogens like Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni, and Clostridium difficile can also flourish without our gut’s natural protection.
By increasing the stomach’s acidity, Betaine HCl, therefore, contributes to stronger immunity and increased gastrointestinal protection.
Betaine Hydrochloride, the Gallbladder, and the Liver
Betaine HCl supports the liver and gallbladder both directly and indirectly.
HCl is crucial in stimulating bile production and secretion. Bile is involved in digestion and detoxification. Betaine is also a potent liver protectant against hepatotoxins like ethanol and carbon tetrachloride. Together, Betaine and HCl are crucial in the breakdown of fats and the disposal of chemicals and other toxins accumulated in our bodies.
Some studies also claim that betaine improves the liver’s resistance against NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) and associated insulin resistance. In animal models, the administration of betaine supplements improved glucose and insulin levels. In human trials, on the other hand, patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis showed decreased amounts of steatosis (the abnormal synthesis and retention of triglyceride fat within the liver). Betaine is also said to reverse the adverse effects of alcohol on the liver, particularly fatty liver. Betaine has also been used to treat some liver-related disorders such as hyperkalemia and homocystinuria.
Hypochlorhydria, or low hydrochloric acid, is common in patients with gallbladder disease occurring, according to a 1979 study by Bell, in over half of 50 patients with gallstones.
Betaine and Physical Performance
Numerous studies have been conducted to verify the potency of betaine to improve physical and athletic performance. However, more evidence is still needed to support that conclusion.
One attribute of betaine that makes it a potential performance enhancer is its ability to substantially increase nitric oxide in the body. This activity widens blood vessels and increases blood flow within the muscles during exercise. Enhanced blood flow means increased nutrient delivery and waste secretion, resulting in better performance.
Experiments among healthy and active individuals also show that betaine helps reduce fatigue, improve endurance, and increase strength. Betaine’s contribution to muscle protein synthesis also increases lean mass and helps reduce the amount of fat present in the body.
Betaine and the Brain
Aside from its contribution to the brain through the mind-gut connection (betaine is good for the GI system, making it good for the brain), betaine contributes to optimum brain function in other ways.
In a study among older adults, betaine has been associated with better memory reaction time, and brain function. In fact, the degree of brain activity improvement is directly proportional to the supplementation dosage.
Through its role in the production of methionine, betaine also indirectly increases the production of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine – hormones that can help treat depression and anxiety. This antidepressant and anxiolytic property of betaine has been exhibited in various animal experiments.
Also related to its connection with methionine synthesis is the idea that betaine can help treat symptoms of autism. Children within the autism spectrum have low choline and methionine levels, leading to abnormal gene expression. They are also vulnerable to oxidative stress.
Given this association, several experiments were conducted to see how betaine supplementation can help those with autism. One conclusion stated that betaine increases S-adenosyl-methionine (SAMe), thus normalizing the methionine cycle. Oral supplementation of folinic acid and betaine also increased antioxidant levels in the body.
Who should NOT take Betaine HCl?
Even though Betaine HCl is a beneficial supplement, not everyone should take it. If you have been prescribed H2-blockers for GERD, or if your doctor has confirmed that you need proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux, then don’t take Betaine HCl.
Pregnant women also usually have trouble with their stomach acid levels. Betaine HCl may or may not help. So far, there are no reported harmful side effects during pregnancy. In fact, betaine is vital in development, from pre-implantation embryo up to infancy. However, it is important to remember to check with your doctor before taking any supplements during pregnancy.
Lastly, if you are diagnosed with homocystinuria (high levels of homocysteine in the urine), do not use Betaine HCl in place of betaine anhydrous. Both contain betaine, but the latter is the FDA-approved treatment for the condition, a symptom of a rare genetic disease.
Last tip!
Your low stomach acid levels may be a symptom of a more complex condition rather than the disease itself. Thus, Betaine HCl can give relief but may not address the root of the problem. Consult your medical practitioner for an official diagnosis.
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References:
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