Betaine HCl

Betaine hydrochloride (betaine HCl) is a source of supplemental hydrochloric acid, the powerful acid produced in the stomach that is involved in the digestive process.

Betaine HCl is used for the treatment of these conditons:

Bad Breath:

Insufficient production of hydrochloric acid (known as hypochlorhydria) is a common cause of bad breath.  If your digestive system has insufficient hydrochloric acid to properly digest food, the offensive gases associated with bad breath are more likely to be produced.  Betaine HCl is a source of supplemental hydrochloric acid.

Digestion:

Betaine HCl improves digestion by adding to the body’s hydrochloric acid content in the stomach.  Hydrochloric acid is an important component of stomach secretions and its production often declines with the progression of the aging process.

Gallstones:

Some cases of gallstones are caused by low secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.  Betaine hydrochloride supplementation helps to increase hydrochloric acid levels.

Hives:

Up to 65% of persons with recurring hives have been found to have impaired or no secretion of hydrochloric acid in their stomachs.  This lack of hydrochloric acid permits allergens that cause hives to gain entrance in the bloodstream, where they subsequently trigger the allergic mechanisms that cause hives.

A clinical study found that betaine hydrochloride (a form of supplemental hydrochloric acid) prevented and treated hives in 65% of patients who had impaired secretion of hydrochloric acid.

Indigestion:

Insufficient production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach is one of the possible causes of indigestion.  Supplemental betaine HCl helps to increase hydrochloric acid production.

Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Insufficient production of hydrochloric acid (stomach acid) is believed to be one of the underlying causes of some cases of rheumatoid arthritis.  Lack of hydrochloric acid production permits antigens to gain entrance into blood circulation where they may trigger autoimmune reactions that lead to rheumatoid arthritis.

Betaine HCl is a source of supplementary hydrochloric acid.

Dosage:

400 - 800 mg prior to each meal (a total of 1,200 - 2,400 mg per day).

Supplemental betaine hydrochloride should be taken with a large glass of water.

References

Bad Breath

Mervyn, L.  Thorsons Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals (2nd Edition).  Thorsons Publishing Group, Wellingborough, England.  1989:19.

Digestion

Mervyn, L.  Thorsons Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals (2nd Edition).  Thorsons Publishing Group, Wellingborough, England.  1989:19.

Hives

Rawls, W. B., et al.  Chronic urticaria associated with hypochlorhydria or achlorhydria.  Rev Gastroenterol.  18:267, 1951.

Indigestion

Mervyn, L.  Thorsons Complete Guide to Vitamins and Minerals (2nd Edition).  Thorsons Publishing Group, Wellingborough, England.  1989:19.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

De Witte, T. J., et al.  Hypochlorhydria and hypergastrinaemia in rheumatoid arthritis.  Ann Rheum Dis.  38:14-17, 1979.

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