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Dietary supplement

Betaine HCL & Pepsin Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Thorne

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 Thorne 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 Thorne

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

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Betaine HCL & Pepsin by Thorne

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 11, 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 and pepsin. Betaine hydrochloride is a compound that increases stomach acidity, while pepsin is an enzyme (a type of protease) that helps break down proteins in digestion.

The capsule itself is made from hypromellose, with added calcium laurate, leucine, and silicon dioxide as inactive ingredients.

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 (“GI support and digestive function”), not a specific health condition, so there is no single claim to grade against clinical-evidence data.

The evidence we hold doesn't establish whether betaine hydrochloride works for indigestion (dyspepsia), low thyroid function (hypothyroidism), diarrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, food allergies, or allergic rhinitis (hay fever) — the data simply rates these uses as having insufficient reliable evidence. We have no effectiveness ratings on file for pepsin in this product.

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 your stomach and isn't suitable if you have ulcers, gastritis, or true acid reflux — it could make heartburn worse or slow ulcer healing. Pepsin is generally well tolerated by most adults but may occasionally cause digestive upset or allergic reactions; rarely, occupational exposure to airborne pepsin has triggered allergic rhinitis or asthma in workers.

During pregnancy, there isn't enough safety data for betaine hydrochloride, so it's best avoided. For pepsin, safety data is limited and it should be avoided in pregnancy unless a doctor prescribes it.

Neither ingredient has established safety during breastfeeding, so medical advice is needed before use.

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.

Check before you start if you take H2-blockers (like famotidine), antacids, or proton pump inhibitors (like omeprazole) — betaine hydrochloride may reduce how well these acid-reducing medications work.

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 is intended to support stomach acid and protein digestion, but the evidence we hold doesn't confirm it works for the conditions listed. If you take medications for acid reflux or stomach ulcers, check with your pharmacist before starting it.

Pregnant or breastfeeding? Talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.

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 Aug 22, 2025.

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 Thorne
Barcode (UPC) 693749415022
Net contents 225 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Aug 22, 2025
DSLD ID 336338
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 Thorne, 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
112
UPC/BARCODE
693749415022
IngredientAmount% DV
Betaine Hydrochloride1 Gram(s)--
Pepsin47 mg--

Other ingredients: Hypromellose, Calcium Laurate, Leucine, 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.
Formulation

GI Support

Gluten free

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: Take 1-2 capsules with each meal or as recommended by your health-care practitioner.

Precautions

Tamper evident: Use only if bottle is sealed.

If pregnant, consult your health-care practitioner before using this product.

Do not take this product out of the capsule. This product is contraindicated in patients with peptic ulcers.

Storage

Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry place.

Seals/Symbols

Manufactured in the USA using US & Imported Ingredients NSF Contents Certified

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 Thorne 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 Thorne

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 container112 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 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
47 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 monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Hypromellose, Calcium Laurate, Leucine, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Betaine HCL & Pepsin by Thorne 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.

Thorne

See all Thorne products
Name
Thorne Research, Inc.
Phone Number
1-800-228-1966
Web Address
thorne.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Betaine HCL & Pepsin by Thorne: Common Questions

Does Betaine HCL & Pepsin by Thorne 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 heartburn?
No — betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and isn't safe for people with true acid reflux. It may also cause or worsen heartburn. Talk to your pharmacist about whether this product is right for your situation.
What does pepsin do in this formula?
Pepsin is an enzyme that helps break down proteins during digestion. It's generally well tolerated, though some people experience digestive upset or, rarely, allergic reactions.
Can I use this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — safety data for betaine hydrochloride during pregnancy is insufficient, so it's best avoided. Pepsin also lacks established safety during pregnancy unless a doctor prescribes it. Neither ingredient has reliable safety data during breastfeeding without medical advice. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Is there enough evidence that this works for indigestion?
The data we hold rates betaine hydrochloride for indigestion as having insufficient reliable evidence, so we can't confirm it's effective for that use. Your pharmacist can discuss whether it's appropriate for your digestive needs.
Does this product contain fillers?
The capsule includes hypromellose, calcium laurate, leucine, and silicon dioxide as inactive ingredients — these help form and stabilize the capsule.

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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