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Dietary supplement

Betaine HCl Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Integrative Therapeutics

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 Integrative Therapeutics 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 by Integrative Therapeutics

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.

This product contains 2 active ingredients. Betaine hydrochloride is a compound that increases stomach acid production, and pepsin is a digestive enzyme that helps break down proteins in food.

Together, they're intended to support stomach function and digestion. The capsule also contains several inactive ingredients — hypromellose, calcium laurate, cellulose, and silica — which serve as binders, flow agents, and capsule material.

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

The label doesn't state a purpose we can grade — see each ingredient's own graded uses on its monograph instead.

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

The evidence for betaine hydrochloride isn't established in the data we hold. Our monograph rates it as having insufficient reliable evidence for indigestion, low stomach acid symptoms, diarrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, food allergies, and allergic rhinitis.

Effectiveness data for pepsin also isn't available in our records.

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 can irritate the stomach and is not safe if you have ulcers, gastritis, or true acid reflux disease — it may make those conditions worse or slow healing. It may also cause heartburn in some people.

Pepsin is generally well tolerated for most adults but may cause digestive upset or, rarely, allergic reactions — occupational exposure to pepsin dust has triggered allergic rhinitis and asthma in some cases. During pregnancy, there isn't enough safety information for betaine hydrochloride, so it should be avoided.

For pepsin, safety hasn't been established in pregnancy either. During breastfeeding, safety data for betaine hydrochloride is absent and should not be used, while pepsin has limited data and is not recommended without medical advice.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you're pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

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.

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

No interactions are documented for pepsin in the data we hold.

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 best for people interested in supporting stomach acid and digestion, but only if you don't have ulcers, gastritis, or acid reflux. If you take any medication to lower stomach acid — PPIs, H2-blockers, or antacids — check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

The evidence for what it actually does isn't established in our data. Pregnant or breastfeeding?

Skip it and talk with your healthcare provider.

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 Jul 18, 2023.

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 Integrative Therapeutics
Barcode (UPC) 871791002364
Net contents 250 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 18, 2023
DSLD ID 288686
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) 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 Integrative Therapeutics, 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
125
UPC/BARCODE
871791002364
IngredientAmount% DV
Betaine Hydrochloride1.3 Gram(s)--
Pepsin260 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Calcium Laurate, Cellulose, 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.
General Statements

For more information, please visit integrativepro.com.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Safety sealed with inner seal. Do not use if seal is broken or missing.

Caution: Not recommended for use if peptic ulcer, gastritis, or heartburn is present.

If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs, consult a healthcare professional before use.

Storage

Keep tightly closed. Store at room temperature. Avoid excessive heat and direct sunlight.

Seals/Symbols

Quality Global Sourcing Bottled & Tested in the USA

Formulation

Contains no wheat, soy, dairy, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Copyright 2022 Distributed by Integrated Therapeutics, LLC

FDA Disclaimer Statement

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

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommendation: Adults take 1 or 2 capsules at the beginning of each meal, or as recommended by a healthcare professional.

See for yourself

Betaine HCl by Integrative Therapeutics label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Betaine HCl by Integrative Therapeutics

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 container125 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
1.3 Gram(s) 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
260 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: Hypromellose, Calcium Laurate, Cellulose, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Betaine HCl by Integrative Therapeutics 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.

Integrative Therapeutics

See all Integrative Therapeutics products
Name
Integrative Therapeutics, LLC
City
Green Bay
State
WI
ZipCode
54311
Phone Number
800.931.1709
Web Address
integrativepro.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Betaine HCl by Integrative Therapeutics: Common Questions

Does Betaine HCl by Integrative Therapeutics 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 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 Betaine HCl if I have acid reflux or heartburn?
No — betaine hydrochloride is not safe for people with true acid reflux disease, and it may actually cause heartburn. If that's your situation, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before considering it.
Is this safe during pregnancy?
There isn't enough safety information for betaine hydrochloride in pregnancy, so it should be avoided. Safety data for pepsin also isn't established. Talk with your doctor if you're pregnant or planning to be.
Can I breastfeed while taking this?
Safety during breastfeeding hasn't been established for either ingredient, so it's best avoided. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're breastfeeding.
What does pepsin do in this product?
Pepsin is a digestive enzyme that helps break down proteins in food. It's included here to work alongside betaine hydrochloride to support digestion.
Can I take this if I have stomach ulcers?
No — betaine hydrochloride can irritate ulcers and may slow healing. Avoid this product if you have a history of ulcers, gastritis, or diagnosed ulcer disease and talk with your doctor.

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

Not sure if Betaine HCl is safe with your meds?

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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 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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