Fact-checking ‘wellness guru’ sister

Dear Dr Roach: I started taking betaine hydrochloride for my digestive health.

I have had some ongoing issues, and my sister, the wellness guru, has been sharing some things she has learned and suggested this to me.

In the first week I have noticed a difference.

My wonderful partner, who is always skeptical, is wondering if there is true value with this supplement, so we are turning to you for some insight. — J.Y.

Betaine hydrochloride has several purported uses. One is to improve athletic performance; however, the data are mixed about whether it is effective at improving muscle strength and endurance.

It also is used to relieve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease and “functional dyspepsia,” a nonspecific term encompassing several types of stomach upset.

Betaine temporarily increases acid levels in the stomach (that’s the same thing as a lower pH).

This effect lasts a few hours, at least in one study of volunteers taking acid-suppressing drugs.

Because of this, betaine hydrochloride has been used to help absorption of some medications.

However, there is no convincing evidence that this helps with symptoms.

I am always concerned that an individual person’s response could be due to the placebo effect, meaning that the difference you noted could be due to expecting to find some benefit from taking the supplement.

Betaine hydrochloride does not have many side effects in most people. Nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea and a body odor all have been reported.

I don’t recommend betaine hydrochloride, but if it is helping and is not causing side effects, it is not likely to harm you.