Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Betaine HCl Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Genestra Brands

Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Most serious interaction: Minor
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Minor

Betaine HCl is a dietary supplement by Genestra Brands with 1 active ingredient. 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 by Genestra Brands

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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: betaine hydrochloride, which is a compound that increases stomach acidity. The capsule itself is made from hypromellose (a plant-derived cellulose), with silica and magnesium stearate as inactive ingredients to help with manufacturing and capsule stability.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
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 assessable

This is a single-ingredient Betaine Hydrochloride product and its label doesn't state a use — see Betaine Hydrochloride's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence we have doesn't establish that betaine HCl works reliably for any of the uses it's marketed for — dyspepsia (indigestion), hypothyroidism, diarrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, food allergies, or allergic rhinitis (hay fever). All of these conditions have insufficient reliable evidence to rate it in our data.

If you're considering it for one of these, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist about whether the current evidence supports a trial.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Betaine Hydrochloride

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 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Betaine HCl can irritate your stomach lining and is not safe if you have ulcers, gastritis, or true acid reflux — it may make heartburn worse or slow ulcer healing. The safety data advises against use during pregnancy, and safety during breastfeeding has not been established, so avoid it in both cases.

If you're pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Betaine Hydrochloride

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 1 matched ingredient 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.

Before taking Betaine HCl, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you use any proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2-blockers (stomach-acid reducers), or antacids. Betaine HCl increases stomach acid and may reduce how well these medications work.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Only minor medication interactions are documented, and safety information is well characterized.

Betaine HCl is a single-ingredient supplement that raises stomach acid and may help some digestive complaints, but the evidence for it hasn't been proven reliable yet. If you take any medication that lowers stomach acidity — PPIs, H2-blockers, or antacids — you'll need to check with your doctor or pharmacist first, because this product could weaken their effects.

Anyone with ulcers, gastritis, or reflux should skip it entirely.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 25, 2016.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand Genestra Brands
Barcode (UPC) 88319614520
Net contents 180 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 25, 2016
DSLD ID 55382
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Dairy 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 by Genestra Brands, 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:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
88319614520
IngredientAmount% DV
Betaine Hydrochloride1500 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Silica, Magnesium Stearate

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

Recommended Adult Dose: Take one to two capsules with a meal or as recommended by your healthcare practitioner.

Precautions

Risk Information: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use.

Quality Assurance: Safety-sealed for your protection and for product freshness. Do not use if outer seal is missing or broken.

Formulation

Guaranteed to contain no added wheat, starch, yeast, gluten, corn, soy, sodium, sugar, artificial coloring or flavoring, antimicrobial preservatives, dairy or animal products.

Ideal for vegans.

The capsules are made from 100% pure vegetable sources, free of perservatives and additives.

Formula

The capsules are made from 100% pure vegetable sources, free of perservatives and additives.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

General

V1.0 369

FDA Statement of Identity

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

Seals/Symbols

Seroyal

See for yourself

Betaine HCl by Genestra Brands label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Betaine HCl by Genestra Brands

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

Betaine Hydrochloride

Interacts with
36 drugs
1500 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

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Silica, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Betaine HCl by Genestra Brands Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Betaine HCl?

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 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, from the product label.

Genestra Brands

Name
Seroyal USA
City
Pittsburgh
State
PA
ZipCode
15275
Phone Number
1-888-737-6925
Web Address
seroyal.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Betaine HCl by Genestra Brands: Common Questions

Does Betaine HCl by Genestra Brands interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Betaine HCl 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 contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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.
Will this help my digestion or indigestion?
The evidence we have isn't strong enough to say betaine HCl reliably works for indigestion or digestive issues. If you're thinking about trying it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's worth a shot for your situation.
Can I take this if I have acid reflux or heartburn?
No — betaine HCl increases stomach acid and could make reflux or heartburn worse. It's also not safe if you have ulcers or gastritis, because it may irritate your stomach lining further or slow healing. If you have any of these conditions, skip this product and talk with your doctor about what will actually help.
Is it safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
No — there isn't enough safety information for pregnancy, and safety during breastfeeding hasn't been established. Avoid it if you're pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor or pharmacist can suggest safer options if you need digestive support.
What's actually in this capsule?
The one active ingredient is betaine hydrochloride. The capsule itself is made from hypromellose (a plant-based material), with silica and magnesium stearate added during manufacturing.
I take an antacid or PPI. Can I use this?
Probably not without talking to your doctor first. Betaine HCl works against what those medications do — it raises stomach acid while they lower it — so it may make your medication less effective. Check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting.

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

Not sure if Betaine HCl is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

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 label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Betaine HCl'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 2 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 →

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

Keep exploring