Betaine HCl
Gut · Gastric acid supplementation
Tier C-
What this is
Biohacker community embrace outpaces research. Heidelberg pH capsule testing is the gold standard to confirm hypochlorhydria before supplementing. The 'feel the burn, stop increasing' titration method has no formal validation. Many presentations of heartburn/reflux are actually normal acid misdirected rather than low acid.
Mechanism
Provides hydrochloric acid for patients with hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid — common with age, PPI use, atrophic gastritis); improves protein digestion and mineral absorption
Dose & route
650-1300 mg with protein-containing meals
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23590989/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25761861/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4436156/
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This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.