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Betaine HCl

Digestion · Evidence: Limited · Importance: Avoid Unless Needed

Marketed to add stomach acid for those who feel they digest protein poorly.

Educational only — not medical advice. BodEvo summarizes research cautiously and labels estimates as estimates. Talk to a physician or registered dietitian before starting any supplement, diet, or training program.

What the evidence says

Limited evidence; a clinician should rule out reflux/ulcers before use.

Typical dose & timing

Dose: Per label, with protein meals.

Timing: With protein meals.

Role in a stack

Digestive aid (niche).

Redundancy check: Don’t confuse with performance betaine (TMG).

Cautions & safety

NOT the same as betaine anhydrous (TMG). Can irritate/ulcerate the stomach; avoid with reflux, ulcers, or NSAIDs.

Stomach-irritation risk — get clinician guidance. Educational only — not medical advice.

Best for

self-suspected low stomach acid (with clinician input)

Use it in the app: open the Supplement Library and Stack Builder — free, local-first, no account required.