Betaine hydrochloride

Betaine hydrochloride is a natural compound found in many foods and also an active methyl-donor which can maintain normal DNA methylation patterns.
Betaine Hydrochloride is the hydrochloride form of betaine, a crystalline alkaloid occurring in sugar beets and other plants. Betaine, acting as a transmethylating metabolic intermediate, is the oxidation product of choline. Betaine hydrochloride is used as a gastric acidifier supplement.|A naturally occurring compound that has been of interest for its role in osmoregulation. As a drug, betaine hydrochloride has been used as a source of hydrochloric acid in the treatment of hypochlorhydria. Betaine has also been used in the treatment of liver disorders, for hyperkalemia, for homocystinuria, and for gastrointestinal disturbances. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p1341)
Betaine hydrochloride is a vitamin-like substance that is a source of hydrochloric acid and aids the production of stomach acid. Gastric acid also helps protect the gastrointestinal tract from harmful bacteria. A normal level of gastric acid in the stomach—100,000-1,000,000 times more acidic than water—is sufficient to destroy bacteria, but some people produce deficient amounts of stomach acid, a condition that may lead to bacterial and parasitic infections of the intestines.One study showed that fasting people with normal gastric acid levels in the stomach had almost no bacteria in the small in- testine, while individuals with low levels of hydrochloric acid had some bacterial colonization in the stomach.Betaine hydrochloride is therefore recommended by some medical practitioners to sustain a healthy and normal production of stomach acid, especially to those that suffer from disorders such as allergies and asthma.Betaine hydrochloride is a synthesized chemical, and is not obtained from any plant or animal source. Gastric acid is produced by stomach cells, and is not available from any food source. Occasionally, betaine (C5H11NO2 )is recommended to reduce blood levels of homocysteine, which is associated with heart disease. This form of betaine is different from betaine hydrochlo- ride, and is available only with a doctor’s prescription.
colorless to white crystals
Betaine(trimethyl glycine) is an osmoprotectant, which is highly effective than proline. It is formed in fromcholine. Betaineis usually present in grains, spinach, beets,broccoli, shellfish and marine algae.