Betaine Hydrochloride
Betaine hydrochloride is a source of hydrochloric acid, an acid found in digestive juices that's involved in the production of the enzyme pepsin. Pepsin helps with protein digestion.
Hydrochloric acid also controls the levels of bacteria and yeast.
There are no food sources of betaine hydrochloride and it's not an essential nutrient.
Safety
No long-term studies have examined safety of betaine hydrochloride in humans. Betaine hydrochloride should not be used by people with ulcers or heartburn, unless advised by their physician.
The safety of betaine hydrochloride in pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with liver or kidney disease is unknown.
