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Dietary supplement

Betaine HCl 650 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Source Naturals

Tablet Or Pill Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Minor
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Minor

Betaine HCl 650 mg is a dietary supplement by Source Naturals with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria), bloating and gas, indigestion.Based on those ingredients, 36 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated minor. The ingredients most likely to interact are Betaine Hydrochloride. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Betaine HCl 650 mg by Source Naturals

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

Source Naturals Betaine HCl contains 2 active ingredients: betaine hydrochloride and pepsin. Betaine hydrochloride is a compound that raises stomach acid; pepsin is a digestive enzyme that breaks down protein in the stomach.

The tablet also contains several inactive ingredients—stearic acid, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, modified cellulose gum, and silica—which are fillers and binders that give the tablet its form.

Does it work?

No specific claim
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
General wellness

This product is marketed for general wellness, not a specific health condition, so there's no single claim to grade against clinical evidence.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets general wellness (“digestive support”), not a specific health condition, so there is no single claim to grade against clinical-evidence data.

The evidence we hold doesn't establish how well betaine hydrochloride works for the conditions it's marketed for—indigestion (dyspepsia), low thyroid function (hypothyroidism), diarrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, food allergies, or allergic rhinitis (hay fever). All are rated insufficient evidence to rate.

We don't hold effectiveness data for pepsin either.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Betaine Hydrochloride Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases)

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Betaine hydrochloride irritates the stomach and is not safe if you have ulcers, gastritis, or true acid reflux—it may cause or worsen heartburn. The hydrochloric acid it produces could theoretically irritate existing ulcers or slow their healing.

Pepsin is generally well tolerated for adults but may cause digestive upset or, rarely, allergic reactions; occupational exposure to airborne pepsin has caused allergic rhinitis or asthma in some cases. There isn't enough safety data to use this product during pregnancy—the facts advise against it.

Safety during breastfeeding hasn't been established for either ingredient, so use is not recommended without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Betaine Hydrochloride Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases)

Meds to double-check

Minor interactions only
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Minor only

Only Minor-severity interactions are documented for these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Betaine Hydrochloride.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Minor.
  • For scale: 36 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take proton pump inhibitors (like omeprazole), H2-blockers (like famotidine), or antacids, check with your doctor or pharmacist before you start—betaine hydrochloride may reduce how well these medications work. Pepsin has no documented interactions with medications we could check.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula marketed for general wellness rather than one specific gradeable purpose. Only minor medication interactions are documented, and safety information is well characterized.

This product raises stomach acid, so it's not for anyone with ulcers, gastritis, or reflux. If you take drugs to lower stomach acid—like PPIs, H2-blockers, or antacids—check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, because this may make those medications less effective.

We don't yet have reliable evidence it works for the conditions it claims to treat. Talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist to decide if it's right for you.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Sep 22, 2022.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Betaine HCl 650 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Source Naturals
Barcode (UPC) 021078013624
Net contents 180 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Sep 22, 2022
DSLD ID 273119
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Betaine HCl 650 mg by Source Naturals, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
180
UPC/BARCODE
021078013624
IngredientAmount% DV
Betaine Hydrochloride650 mg--
Pepsin165 mg--

Other ingredients: Stearic Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, modified Cellulose Gum, Silica

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Formula

Hydrochloric acid source

In the stomach, hydrochloric acid converts prepsinogen to pepsin, an enzyme that breaks down protein. Pepsin breaks down proteins into smaller, more easily absorbed substances. As people age, hydrochloric acid secretion may be reduced, which can result in decreased levels of pepsin. Without proper pepsin levels, the body has a difficult time digesting food. Betaine hydrochloride is used as a supplemental source of hydrochloric acid, which can be utilized by the stomach to produce pepsin. The combination of betaine hydrochloride and pepsin provide an excellent stomach tonic.

Formulation

Digestive support

Contains no yeast, egg, gluten, corn, soy or wheat. Contains no sugar, starch, preservatives, or artificial color, flavor or fragrance.

Precautions

Contains milk.

Caution: Do not use if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

If a burning sensation is experienced, discontinue use, or use less frequently.

Warning: If you have stomach or duodenal ulcers, or are taking drugs that may cause ulcers, do not take this product.

Do not use if either tamper-evident seal is broken or missing.

Keep out of reach of children.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: 1 tablet with a meal, up to four times daily. Do not take on an empty stomach.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright SOURCE NATURALS, Inc.

See for yourself

Betaine HCl 650 mg by Source Naturals label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Betaine HCl 650 mg by Source Naturals

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container180 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Betaine Hydrochloride

Interacts with
36 drugs
650 mg per serving

Betaine hydrochloride is a supplement used to temporarily increase stomach acid in people who may have low acid levels. Evidence for its benefits is l...

Betaine Hydrochloride monograph & interactions

Pepsin

No known
interactions
165 mg per serving

Proteolytic enzymes are proteins that help break down other proteins, and common examples include bromelain (from pineapple), papain (from papaya), tr...

Pepsin monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Stearic Acid, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose, Modified Cellulose Gum, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Betaine HCl 650 mg by Source Naturals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Betaine HCl 650 mg?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
36Drugs
36 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Betaine HCl 650 mg with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Betaine Hydrochloride3 drug types · 36 drugs

Antacids

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of antacids.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. Antacids are taken to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with antacids might decrease the effects of the antacids.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
H2-Blockers

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of H2-blockers.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. H2-blockers are used to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with H2-blockers might decrease the effects of H2-blockers.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Ppis)

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of PPIs.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. PPIs are used to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with PPIs might decrease the effects of PPIs

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Betaine HCl 650 mg, from the product label.

Source Naturals

Name
Source Naturals, Inc.
Street Address
P. O. Box 2118
City
Santa Cruz
State
CA
ZipCode
95062
Web Address
www.sourcenaturals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Betaine HCl 650 mg by Source Naturals: Common Questions

Does Betaine HCl 650 mg by Source Naturals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Betaine HCl 650 mg has a known interaction with 36 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Betaine HCl 650 mg contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I have acid reflux or heartburn?
No. Betaine hydrochloride raises stomach acid and is not safe if you have true acid reflux; it may make heartburn worse or cause it. If you have reflux or a history of ulcers, talk to your doctor before considering this product.
What does pepsin do in this tablet?
Pepsin is a digestive enzyme that breaks down protein in the stomach. It's designed to help digest food, though we don't hold effectiveness data showing how well it works for that purpose in this product.
Is this safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No. There isn't enough safety data to recommend it during pregnancy, and safety during breastfeeding hasn't been established. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using it if you're pregnant or nursing.
Could this cause allergic reactions?
Pepsin can rarely cause allergic reactions or digestive upset. Occupational exposure to airborne pepsin has triggered allergic rhinitis or asthma in some people, though that's uncommon in normal supplement use.
Does it have fillers or other inactive ingredients?
Yes. The tablet contains stearic acid, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, modified cellulose gum, and silica as inactive ingredients to hold the tablet together.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Betaine HCl 650 mg is safe with your meds?

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Betaine HCl 650 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Betaine HCl 650 mg's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 5 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Betaine Hydrochloride 2 references
  1. Yago MR, Frymoyer A, Benet LZ, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Ding X, Dean B, Salphati L, Budha N, Jin JY, Dresser MJ, Ware JA. The use of betaine HCl to enhance dasatinib absorption in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. AAPS J. 2014 PubMed
  2. Yago MR, Frymoyer AR, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Budha NR, Dresser MJ, Ware JA, Benet LZ. Gastric reacidification with betaine HCl in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. Mol Pharm. 2013 Nov 4;10(11):4032-7. PubMed

See these in context on the Betaine Hydrochloride monograph →

Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) 3 references
  1. Weeks JA, Harper RA, Simon RA, Burdick JD. Assessment of sensitization risk of a laundry pre-spotter containing protease. Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2011;30(4):272-9. PubMed
  2. Marquès LI, Lara S, Abós T, Bartolomé B. Occupational rhinitis due to pepsin. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2006;16(2):136-7. DOI
  3. Cartier A, Malo JL, Pineau L, Dolovich J. Occupational asthma due to pepsin. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1984;73(5 Pt 1):574-7. PubMed

See these in context on the Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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