Betaine hydrochloride supplements help support healthy gut function and safely restore normal gastric acidity. (Do not confuse betaine HCl with anhydrous betaine, a methyl-donor nutrient taken to control homocysteine levels.) Always take the betaine HCL either half-way through the meal or right at the end of the meal.

Are HCl supplements safe?

Betaine hydrochloride is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken as a single dose. There isn't enough information to know if betaine hydrochloride is safe when taken in multiple doses. It might cause heartburn.

How long does it take for HCl to work?

The onset of effect of betaine HCl was rapid, with a mean time to pH < 3 of 6.3 (±4.3) minutes. The re-acidification period was temporary with a gastric pH < 3 and < 4 lasting 73 (±33) and 77 (±30) minutes, respectively. Betaine HCl was well tolerated by all subjects.