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Betaine Nutrition

Betaine trimethylglycine, is one of the compounds in the category of methyl donors, while betaine hydrochloride is an acid form of betaine found in grains. According to Dr. Alan Gaby, co-author of "The Natural Pharmacy," betaine trimethylglycine and betaine hydrochloride are both important for bodily functions.

  1. Betaine Trimethylglycine Uses

    • According to Dr. Gaby, "Betaine trimethylglycine is important for ensuring proper liver function, cellular replication and detoxification reactions." It is used to treat several conditions.

      Betaine trimethylglycine can be used to reduce blood levels of homocysteine, or a breakdown of the amino acid metabolism that is known to cause both atherosclerosis and osteoporosis. It also may be used to treat hepatitis and other genetic disorders of the cysteine metabolism. As a supplement, betaine trimethylglycine is used as a preventative to encourage the proper functioning of the liver, as well as to treat pre-existing liver problems. It also may be used as a toothpaste to treat dry mouth.

    Betaine Hydrochloride Uses

    • Betaine hydrochloride is found in food substances like grains. It often is used as a replacement for hydrochloric acid. Low hydrochloric acid is often a problem common in people who have a deficiency in gastric acid.

      The hydrochloride form of betaine has many more uses than betaine trimethylglycine. It is used for the treatment of rosacea, asthma, chronic candidiasis and dermatitis herpetiformis. It also has been found useful in the treatment of food allergies, gallstones, GERD, hives, indigestion, iron-deficiency-induced anemia, rheumatoid arthritis and vitiligo.

    Deficiencies

    • Because betaine trimethylglycine is not an essential nutrient, there have been no reported deficiencies to date. However, it is possible to be deficient in betaine hydrochloride, and many people who suffer from chronic conditions--such as asthma, allergies and gallstones--may have this deficiency.

    Dosage

    • The recommended dosage of betaine trimethylglycine is 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams up to three times a day.

      Betaine hydrochloride, however, should be taken only by people who suffer from a reduction in stomach acids. This condition must be diagnosed by a physician. Dosage is typically 325 to 600 milligrams, one or more times daily, taken with a meal.

    Interactions

    • There are no side effects listed for betaine trimethylglycine.

      However, people who are taking anti-inflammatory medicine, cortisones or drugs like them, and any other medication that has a chance of causing a peptic ulcer, should not take betaine hydrochloride. Side effects of betaine hydrochloride include a burning sensation in the stomach.

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