BETAINE HYDROCHLORIDE (BETAINE HCL)
Written by Slawomir (“Swavak”) Gromadzki, MPH
Betaine hydrochloride, usually derived from beets, is an amino acid and supplement for helping food to be fully processed in the stomach for optimum nutritional benefits.
Betaine HCl promotes healthy stomach acidity (together with herb Centaurium or Centaury Betaine HCl is the best remedy for Dyspepsia), gastric function and the digestion of protein as it activates pepsin used to break down proteins into amino acids.
Betaine hydrochloride helps absorb vitamins – increasing their bioavailability.
Betaine also helps regulate homocysteine levels as it is used to convert homocysteine in the blood to methionine. Elevated homocysteine levels, which increase with age, are linked to heart issues and blood clots.
In the body betaine can be created by choline in combination with the amino acid glycine.
Just like some B vitamins, including folate and vitamin B12, betaine is considered to be a methyl donor which aids in detoxification and liver function.
Recommended daily dose: 650 – 2500 milligrams.
Wheat bran/wheat germ is the single highest source of naturally occurring betaine. Also quinoa, beets, and spinach are very good sources.