Betaine HCl

May help a subset of people with genuinely low stomach acid. Over-diagnosed in alternative medicine; most reflux is not caused by too little acid.

A rough internal score reflecting quantity, quality, and consistency of human evidence. Not a clinical recommendation.

Limited clinical trial data. One pharmacokinetic study confirmed it can re-acidify gastric pH. The hypochlorhydria hypothesis for GERD is not mainstream. Most use is empirical.

• Can re-acidify gastric pH when stomach acid is genuinely low
• May improve protein digestion in hypochlorhydric individuals
• Simple empirical trial approach

325–650 mg with a protein-containing meal, titrating up. Discontinue if warmth or burning is felt.

• Gastric burning if dose is too high
• Heartburn
• Nausea

Do NOT use with NSAIDs or if you have ulcers or gastritis. Discontinue if burning sensation occurs.

Diagnosing hypochlorhydria is difficult without Heidelberg pH capsule testing. Self-diagnosis is unreliable.

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