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Dietary supplement

Betaine HCl Pepsin Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Pure Encapsulations

Betaine HCl Pepsin label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Non-nutrient/non-botanical
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 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 Pepsin is a dietary supplement by Pure Encapsulations 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 Pepsin by Pure Encapsulations

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Betaine HCl Pepsin by Pure Encapsulations

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 two active ingredients: betaine hydrochloride and pure pepsin. Betaine hydrochloride is a form of betaine bound to hydrochloric acid, which raises stomach acidity.

Pepsin is a proteolytic enzyme (a protein-digesting enzyme) naturally present in stomach acid and involved in breaking down food during digestion. The capsules also contain inactive ingredients—cellulose, water, and ascorbyl palmitate—which serve as fillers and preservatives but play no active role in the product's intended effect.

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 we hold does not establish how well either ingredient works for any condition. Betaine hydrochloride is listed in our data with insufficient reliable evidence to rate it for dyspepsia (indigestion), hypothyroidism, diarrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, food allergies, and allergic rhinitis (hay fever).

Pepsin has no effectiveness ratings in the data we have. If you're considering this product for a specific health concern, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist about what the evidence actually shows.

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 disease — the hydrochloric acid it produces could worsen these conditions or slow ulcer healing and may trigger heartburn. Pepsin is generally well tolerated for most adults but may occasionally cause digestive upset or allergic reactions.

Rarely, occupational airborne exposure to pepsin has caused allergic inflammation of the eyes and nose or asthma in workers. During pregnancy, the safety data advises against betaine hydrochloride, and pepsin safety is not established — you should avoid this product unless your doctor prescribes it.

During breastfeeding, neither ingredient has enough safety data; pepsin use is not recommended without medical advice. If you're pregnant or nursing, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.

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 an H2-blocker (like famotidine or ranitidine), antacid, or proton pump inhibitor (PPI, such as omeprazole), check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this product — betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acid and may reduce how well these medications work. No interactions are documented for pepsin.

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 Pepsin is intended to support stomach acid and protein digestion, but the evidence for how well it works is not established in our data. The main concern is its conflict with acid-reducing medications — if you take an H2-blocker, antacid, or PPI, your doctor or pharmacist needs to weigh whether this product is right for you.

If you have a history of ulcers, gastritis, or acid reflux, avoid it unless advised otherwise. Talk over the specifics with your own 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 Pepsin, straight from the product label.

Brand Pure Encapsulations
Barcode (UPC) 766298000299
Net contents 250 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jul 18, 2023
DSLD ID 293906
Product type Non-nutrient/non-botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten 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 Pepsin by Pure Encapsulations, 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
250
UPC/BARCODE
766298000299
IngredientAmount% DV
Betaine Hydrochloride520 mg--
Pepsin, Pure21 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Water, Cellulose, Ascorbyl Palmitate

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.
Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommendations: As a dietary supplement, take 1 capsule, 3 times daily, with each meal.

Precautions

Warning: If you are pregnant or lactating, have any health condition or are taking any medication, consult your health professional before use.

Discontinue immediately if a burning sensation occurs. Not recommended for people with ulcers, or a history of ulcers. Use only if safety seal is intact.

Keep out of the reach of children.

General Statements

Scan to learn about our hypoallergenic supplements Contents may not fill package in order to accommodate required labeling. Please rely on stated quantity.

Seals/Symbols

GFCO.org (Gluten-Free Certification Organization)

Formulation

Certified Gluten-Free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization, www.gluten.org

Promotes healthy digestive function Gluten-free, Non-GMO & Hypoallergenic

Gluten-free, Non-GMO & Hypoallergenic

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

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.

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

See for yourself

Betaine HCl Pepsin by Pure Encapsulations label

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

Betaine HCl 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 Pepsin by Pure Encapsulations

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 container250 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
520 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, Pure

No known
interactions
21 mg per serving Form: Porcine

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

Pepsin, Pure monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Water, Cellulose, Ascorbyl Palmitate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Betaine HCl Pepsin by Pure Encapsulations Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Betaine HCl 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 Pepsin interact with 36 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 2 ingredients in Betaine HCl 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 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 Pepsin, from the product label.

Pure Encapsulations

See all Pure Encapsulations products
Name
Pure Encapsulations
Street Address
490 Boston Post Road
City
Sudbury
State
MA
Phone Number
1-800-753-2277
Web Address
www.PureEncapsulations.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Betaine HCl Pepsin by Pure Encapsulations: Common Questions

Does Betaine HCl Pepsin by Pure Encapsulations interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Betaine HCl 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 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 GERD?
No, you should not. Betaine hydrochloride is not safe for people with true acid reflux disease because it raises stomach acid and could worsen your symptoms or damage healing tissue. If you have reflux, ask your doctor or pharmacist before considering any supplement.
What's the difference between betaine hydrochloride and regular betaine?
Betaine hydrochloride is betaine bonded to hydrochloric acid (stomach acid), so it actively increases stomach acidity. Regular betaine does not. This product is designed for that acid-raising effect, which is why it conflicts with acid-reducing medications.
Can I use this while pregnant or nursing?
No. Betaine hydrochloride safety advises against use during pregnancy, and pepsin safety is not established in either pregnancy or breastfeeding unless your doctor prescribes it. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're considering it.
What side effects might pepsin cause?
Most people tolerate it well, but it may cause digestive upset or, rarely, allergic reactions. Occupational airborne exposure to pepsin has caused allergic eye and nose inflammation or asthma in workers, though that's not a typical concern from a capsule you swallow.
Does this product actually work for indigestion or digestion?
The evidence we hold does not establish that betaine hydrochloride works for indigestion, and we have no effectiveness data for pepsin. If you're thinking about it for a specific reason, ask your doctor whether there's good evidence for your situation.

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

Not sure if Betaine HCl Pepsin 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 Pepsin label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Betaine HCl 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 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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