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Dietary supplement

Betaine HCL and Pepsin Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Dr. Mercola

Betaine HCL and Pepsin label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Minor
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Betaine HCL and Pepsin against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Minor

Betaine HCL and Pepsin is a dietary supplement by Dr. Mercola 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.

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Check Your Meds Against Betaine HCL and Pepsin by Dr. Mercola

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Betaine HCL and Pepsin by Dr. Mercola — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Betaine HCL and Pepsin by Dr. Mercola

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

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 16, 2026

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.

This product contains 2 active ingredients. Betaine hydrochloride is a compound that boosts stomach acid — it's meant to support digestion when stomach acid is low.

Fungal pepsin is a proteolytic enzyme, a protein-digesting enzyme harvested from fungi, also intended to aid the breakdown of food in your digestive tract. The capsule itself contains several inactive ingredients (binders and fillers): hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, ascorbyl palmitate, rice bran, and silicon dioxide.

Does it work?

Not established
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
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: digestive support and enzyme activity.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, indigestion, bloating, low stomach acid.
  • The closest evidence on file: Betaine Hydrochloride is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia (Natural Medicines).

The evidence for betaine hydrochloride is limited. The data we hold rates it as having insufficient reliable evidence for indigestion, low thyroid function, diarrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, food allergies, and hay fever — meaning there isn't enough human research to establish whether it works for these uses.

Effectiveness ratings for fungal pepsin are not established in our data.

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 may irritate the stomach and is not safe for people with ulcers, gastritis, or true acid reflux — it can cause or worsen heartburn. The data also advises against it during pregnancy and breastfeeding, due to insufficient safety information.

Fungal pepsin is generally well tolerated for most adults, though it may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions in some people. Rarely, occupational exposure to pepsin has triggered allergic inflammation of the eyes and nasal passages or asthma.

Safety has not been established during pregnancy, so it's best avoided unless prescribed. Little safety data exists for breastfeeding — use is not recommended without medical advice.

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 H2-blockers (like famotidine or ranitidine), antacids, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs, like omeprazole or pantoprazole), check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this product — betaine hydrochloride may reduce how well these medications work by raising stomach acid.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Only minor medication interactions are documented, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is for people who believe they have low stomach acid and want enzyme support for digestion — but the evidence that betaine hydrochloride works for any condition is insufficient. If you take H2-blockers, antacids, or PPIs to manage heartburn or reflux, this product will likely interfere with them and shouldn't be combined without talking to your doctor or pharmacist first.

Avoid it if you have ulcers, gastritis, or acid reflux. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting it, especially if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

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 Mar 22, 2024.

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 and Pepsin, straight from the product label.

Brand Dr. Mercola
Barcode (UPC) 810094211745
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Mar 22, 2024
DSLD ID 308614
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
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 and Pepsin by Dr. Mercola, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
810094211745
IngredientAmount% DV
Betaine Hydrochloride650 mg--
fungal Pepsin50 mg--

Other ingredients: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Rice Bran, Silicon Dioxide

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested use: Adults, as a dietary supplement, take one (1) capsule three times daily with meals.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is broken.

If you are nursing, pregnant, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult your physician before taking this product.

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.

Formulation

Digestive support Detoxification support Enzyme activity

Formula

650 mg Betaine HCL per capsule

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

Providing quality products since 2001.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Betaine HCL and Pepsin by Dr. Mercola label

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

Betaine HCL and Pepsin label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Betaine HCL and Pepsin by Dr. Mercola

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 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

Fungal Pepsin

No known
interactions
50 mg per serving Form: Aspergillus niger

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

Fungal Pepsin monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Rice Bran, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Betaine HCL and Pepsin by Dr. Mercola Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Betaine HCL and Pepsin?

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

Betaine Hydrochloride 36

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Betaine HCL and Pepsin interact with 36 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 2 ingredients in Betaine HCL and Pepsin interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Betaine Hydrochloride

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Betaine HCL and Pepsin 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
Betaine Hydrochloride full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Betaine HCL and Pepsin, from the product label.

Dr. Mercola

See all Dr. Mercola products
Name
NHP
Street Address
125 SW 3rd Place
City
Cape Coral
State
FL
ZipCode
33991
Phone Number
(877) 985-2696
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Betaine HCL and Pepsin by Dr. Mercola: Common Questions

Does Betaine HCL and Pepsin by Dr. Mercola interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Betaine HCL and Pepsin 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 and Pepsin 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 increases stomach acid and can cause or worsen heartburn. If you have true acid reflux, this product is not safe for you — talk with your doctor before considering it.
Is it safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against betaine hydrochloride in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient information. Fungal pepsin is also best avoided in pregnancy unless prescribed, and use during breastfeeding is not recommended without medical advice. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance.
What's the difference between the two ingredients in this product?
Betaine hydrochloride is a compound that boosts stomach acid. Fungal pepsin is an enzyme that helps break down proteins in food. Both are meant to support digestion when stomach acid is low.
What side effects might I experience?
Betaine hydrochloride may cause heartburn or stomach irritation. Fungal pepsin may cause digestive upset or, rarely, allergic reactions. Occupational exposure to pepsin has occasionally triggered nasal and eye inflammation or asthma, though this is uncommon with oral supplements.
Does this product actually work for indigestion or poor digestion?
The evidence is insufficient. There isn't enough human research to confirm that betaine hydrochloride works for indigestion or other digestive conditions. Effectiveness data for fungal pepsin is not established in our data.

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

Not sure if Betaine HCL and Pepsin is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

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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 and Pepsin label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Betaine HCL and Pepsin’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Betaine Hydrochloride

Interacts with 36 drugs

Betaine hydrochloride is a supplement used to temporarily increase stomach acid in people who may have low acid levels. Evidence for its benefits is limited and mostly based on tradition rat...

Read the full Betaine Hydrochloride monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases)

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

Read the full Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Betaine HCL and Pepsin'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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