The betaine HClor betaine hydrochlorideis a combination of betainea special form of an amino acid called glycine, andhydrochloric acid (HCl).
In dietary supplement formform, betaine HCl offers numerous benefits for the digestionand cardiovascular health and function liver function (liver).
The purpose of this article is to introduce you to health benefits of betaine hydrochlorideits main indications and its possible side effects.
What is betaine HCl?
The betaine HCl is a bioactive substance composed of two molecules:
Betaine
The betainealso known as "N-trimethylglycineis a trimethylated form of the amino acid glycine. Its name (betaine) comes from the sugar beet where it was first extracted.
This molecule plays different roles depending on the organism in which it is found. Its main function is to protect plants from cold, heat or water stress, to protect plants from bacteria from osmotic pressure...
In humans, betaine plays the role of "methyl donor. It is thus involved in dozens of biochemical reactions, notably in digestive, liver and cardiovascular.
Hydrochloric acid (HCl)
L'hydrochloric acid (HCl) is one of the major constituents of "gastric juice. It is naturally secreted in large quantities by the stomach's parietal cells.
Gastric acidity is maintained by a regular secretion of HCl plays a key role in the degradation and digestion of foodin particular proteins.
In fact, a low (acidic) pH is essential for optimal action of the pepsinaction proteolytic enzyme of gastric juice whose role is to breaking certain peptide bonds in proteins we ingest in order to facilitate their assimilation in the intestine.
What are the benefits of betaine HCl?
Here are the three main health benefits of regular betaine HCl intake:
Improved digestion
Betaine hydrochloride is indicated in the treatment of digestive disorders such as bloatingbloating gasand eructationsand gastric reflux and heaviness especially after a heavy meal.
The dietary supplement betaine HCl works in several ways to improve digestion.
Firstly, the betaine promotes phospholipid synthesis involved in peristalsis (digestive motility). In other words, it helps increase contractions contractions that ensure of the food bolus along the digestive tract. As a result, digestion is more efficient and comfortable.
Secondly, thehydrochloric acid supplied by betaine HCl complement maintains a acidic gastric pH which promotes degradation of ingested food into more easily assimilated nutrients at intestinal level.
In fact, some people have reduced gastric production of hydrochloric acid (hypochlorhydria), which results in a more pronounced less efficient digestion and slower as well as the appearance of numerous symptoms:
- Feeling of fullness after meals;
- Bloating and flatulence;
- Belching ;
- Acid reflux ;
- Heartburn.
Taking betaine HCl is therefore particularly recommended for this category of people, as it helps to further acidify their gastric juices and solve many of their digestive problems.
In addition, the increase in gastric acidity promoted by betaine HCl activates certain proteolytic enzymes enzymes present in the stomach, known as "pepsins. These pepsins are in an inactive form (pepsinogen) and require an acid pH to be able to function. activated and fulfill their role in food degradation.
In short, taking betaine HCl improves digestion thanks to the following three properties:
- Increased digestive motility.
- Increased acidity of gastric juice.
- Activation of certain digestive enzymes.
Preserves cardiovascular health
In the body, the metabolism of an essential amino acid called "methionine leads to release of homocysteineanother amino acid.
With age, the body's capacity to eliminate homocysteine diminishes. The result is a « hyperhomocysteinemiahyperhomocysteinemia". (increased homocysteine levels in the blood) which, according to scientific studies, is harmful to the health of the heart and blood vessels.
This hyperhomocysteinemia is, in fact, responsible for a increased risk cardiovascular risk by promoting the development of atherosclerosis (fatty deposits in artery walls).
The betaine is able to reduce homocysteine levels levels in the blood. Taken in sufficient quantities on a daily basis, it could therefore contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
NB: according to European health authoritiesfood supplements based on betaine can claim to reduce blood levels of homocysteine if they contain at least 500 mg betaine per portion (capsule, capsule, tablet...) and that the daily intake is greater than or equal to 1.5 g.
Many betaine-based dietary supplements on the market do not meet these criteria...
As regards our dietary supplement betaine HCleach capsule contains 700 mg betaine and the recommended dosage isone capsule before each mealas recommended by European health authorities.
Support for liver function
Betaine stimulates the liver and promotes the release of bile (a liquid secreted by the liver which plays a key role in digestion, particularly of fats).
It also helps to elimination of toxic waste the body via the liver and prevents fat accumulation in the liver.
What are the side effects of Betaine HCl?
The betaine HCl may cause certain side effects or aggravate pre-existing symptoms such as nauseanausea diarrhea or upset stomach.
The upset stomach may indicate the presence of gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) or peptic ulcer awakened or aggravated by the acidity of betaine HCl. It is therefore recommended to stop taking betaine HCl in case of abdominal pain and consult a therapist.
Betaine may also, very rarely, provoke a mild allergic reaction with the appearance of a rash, itching or stinging of the eyes. In this case, stop taking your supplements and talk to your therapist.
In addition, due to metabolic changes, an increase in temporary of cholesterol may be observed".
What are the contraindications to betaine HCl?
Betaine HCl should not be used in the following situations:
- Pregnancy or period breast-feeding(ask your therapist for advice);
- Allergy to betaine;
- Peptic ulcer (current or past);
- Gastritis (inflammation of the gastric mucosa);
Conclusion
The betaine HCl or betaine hydrochloride is a dietary supplement of natural origin that offers numerous benefits, in particular on the digestionand cardiovascular health and liver function.
In particular, it can :
- Improve digestive comfort
- Combat bloating
- Reduce homocysteine blood levels
- Reduce risk of cardiovascular disease
- Stimulate the liver and the elimination of toxins accumulated in the body
