Betaine, in chemistry, represents a neutral compound with both a positively charged and a negatively charged functional group adjacent to one another. Betaine HCl, to humans, is a source of hydrochlorid acid, a non-essential nutrient that occurs naturally in the stomach and assists with the digestion of lipids and proteins. The stomach requires high levels of hydrochloric acid at all times because it activates precursors to the conversion of pepsinogen to pepsin, an active digestive enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of proteins.
Betaine HCl, not only plays a role in the digestive system, but also is essential for adequate absorption of many nutrients including proteins, vitamin B12, vitamin C, folic acid, iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. The acidity of hydrochlorid acid creates a very low pH environment that prohibits many bacteria and microorganisms from thriving in the stomach and the small intestine. Furthermore, Betiane HCl assists in the flow of bile and pancreatic enzymes. Thus, deficiency of HCl has been linked to malabsorption, osteroporsis, asthma, arthritis, thyroid conditions, allergies, and many other clinical conditions. Taking Betaine HCl supplements can both treat and prevent such symptoms and disease.
Many studies have shown that the production of hydrochloric acid declines with aging. In the US, an estimated 30% of people over 60 years of age are diagnosed with atrophic gastritis, a condition in which minimal or no acid is secreted by the stomach.
Betaine HCl is only suggested for patients with lower levels of stomach acid. Usually, doctors recommend approximately 325~650mg to be taken with high protein-content meals. Overdosing can cause burns in the lining of the stomach. Interestingly though, the symptoms of too much and too little stomach acid are very similar. An actual testing will be required to determine the exact cause. Nevertheless, all patients should stop taking betaine HCl immediately if any discomfort is felt.
References: (1) http://www.oralchelation.com/ingred/betaine.htm (2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betaine (3) http://www.worldhealth.net/news/betaine_hcl (4) http://www.modernherbalist.com/betaine.html
