Betaine is an amino acid that the body naturally produces to help metabolize homocysteine. This process prevents homocysteine buildup in the blood, which can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
It can also be obtained through foods like spinach and beets, or as a supplement used to treat homocystinuria, a rare metabolic condition that raises homocysteine levels. Betaine may also help prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver.
Betaine supplements are available at compounding pharmacies and drugstores, and should only be used under medical supervision from a gastroenterologist, general practitioner, pediatrician, nutritionist, or registered dietitian.
What betaine is used for
Betaine is indicated for the treatment of:
-
Homocystinuria, along with a proper diet or other supplements such as folic acid or vitamins B6 and B12
-
Hypochlorhydria, a condition in which the stomach produces too little hydrochloric acid
-
Functional dyspepsia, which causes indigestion, heartburn, or excessive gas
-
Liver metabolic disorders
Betaine may also be used to help prevent fat accumulation in the liver, reducing the risk of fatty liver disease.
The use of betaine supplements should always be guided by a doctor, who determines the appropriate dosage and treatment duration.
How to take
The way betaine is taken depends on its form and whether it’s combined with other substances.
Anhydrous betaine
Anhydrous betaine (Cystadane) comes as a powder that should be dissolved in water, milk, juice, or food and taken orally right after preparation.
The recommended dose for adults or children with homocystinuria is typically 100 mg per kg of body weight per day, divided into two doses, or as directed by a doctor.
During treatment with anhydrous betaine, regular checkups and blood tests are important to monitor homocysteine and methionine levels.
Betaine hydrochloride
Betaine hydrochloride supplements are used to support the treatment of hypochlorhydria in adults.
In the US, betaine hydrochloride is available as a dietary supplement, typically in doses of 500 mg to 650 mg per capsule, sometimes combined with pepsin.
The dosage depends on the capsule strength and may range from one capsule up to three times daily, taken with meals, as prescribed by a gastroenterologist or nutritionist.
Betaine + pepsin
Betaine hydrochloride combined with pepsin is available in capsule form at pharmacies and drugstores. It’s generally used to help manage functional dyspepsia, which causes indigestion, heartburn, or bloating.
In the US, betaine hydrochloride with pepsin supplements are available as dietary aids, typically containing around 500 to 650 mg of betaine HCl combined with 100 to 150 mg of pepsin. Because strengths vary among brands, they should only be used under medical guidance.
The typical dose for adults is one capsule taken before, during, or immediately after lunch or dinner.
Possible side effects
Common side effects of betaine include nausea, stomach pain, heartburn, diarrhea, vomiting, and headache.
When taking anhydrous betaine (Cystadane), contact a doctor immediately if symptoms such as muscle weakness, balance or speech difficulties, memory problems, or an unusual body odor occur.
Betaine can also cause severe allergic reactions with symptoms like difficulty breathing, throat tightness, swelling of the mouth, tongue, or face, or hives. In these cases, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Contraindications for use
Betaine should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, or by people with stomach or intestinal ulcers, gastritis, or severe liver disease.
It should also be avoided by people taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as this combination may increase the risk of stomach ulcers.
Additionally, betaine should not be used by anyone allergic to betaine itself or to any of the ingredients in the supplement.