Bioclinic Naturals, Betaine HCL with Fenugreek 60 Veg Caps

Benefits

• Sourced from beets
• 500 mg of betaine HCl per capsule allows for flexible-dose titration
• Suitable for vegetarians/vegans

Feature Summary

Betaine hydrochloride supports hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach to maintain normal digestion, while the addition of fenugreek may help soothe and support a healthy stomach lining.* Low stomach acid is more common with age and may be associated with suboptimal digestion.* Combining betaine HCl with fenugreek may help support normal digestion and maintain a healthy digestive tract.*

The stomach’s natural HCl assists in protein digestion by activating pepsinogen to pepsin. It also helps maintain a pH that is supportive of healthy digestion, food safety, and a healthy microbiome in the small intestine.* The stomach’s natural HCl also encourages the healthy flow of bile and pancreatic enzymes and facilitates the normal absorption of nutrients such as vitamin B12, ascorbic acid, calcium, iron, and magnesium.*1–4 However, in the absence of adequate stomach HCl, symptoms such as bloating, belching, indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation can arise.5

Numerous studies have shown that acid secretion declines with advancing age 6-8, and suboptimal HCl production and secretion are correlated with various potential repercussions.5 While the underlying etiological factors leading to suboptimal HCl secretion are not well understood, supplementation is generally safe and may be helpful in certain populations.9 Combining betaine HCl with fenugreek further supports digestive function and health, as fenugreek seeds are an excellent source of mucilage10, which may help soothe gastrointestinal tissue by maintaining a healthy lining of the stomach and intestine.

Ingredients

Serving Size: 2 Vegetarian Capsules

Servings Per Container: 30

Amount Per Serving:

• Betaine Hydrochloride 1000 mg
• Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) (seed) 200 mg

Suggested Usage

2 capsules at meal times 3 times per day or as directed by a health care professional.

Allergens

Contains no artificial colors, preservatives, or sweeteners; no dairy, starch, sugar, wheat, gluten, yeast, soy, corn, egg, fish, shellfish, animal products, salt, tree nuts, or GMOs. Suitable for vegetarians/vegans.

Contraindications

Consult a health care professional prior to use if you have cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Do not use it if you have peptic ulcer. 
Individuals suffering from peptic ulcer disease (PUD) or diseases that cause excessive secretion of gastric acids, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, should avoid Betaine HCl as they may experience irritation or reduced healing of ulcers because of the hydrochloric acid in Betaine HCl.

Drug Interactions

Fenugreek might have additive effects when used with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, although this may not be clinically significant.11 Fenugreek may reduce blood glucose levels and may be additive to hypoglycemic drugs. Monitor blood glucose levels closely.12

References:

1. Hsu, M., Safadi, A.O., & Lui, F. (2022). Physiology, Stomach. In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535425/
2. Sarker, S.A., Ahmed, T., & Brüssow, H. (2017). Hunger and microbiology: Is a low gastric acid-induced bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine a contributor to malnutrition in developing countries? Microb Biotechnol, 10(5), 1025-30.
3. Patricia, J.J., & Dhamoon, A.S. (2022). Physiology, Digestion. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544242/
4. Heidelbaugh, J.J. (2013). Proton pump inhibitors and risk of vitamin and mineral deficiency: Evidence and clinical implications. Ther Adv Drug Saf, 4(3), 125-33.
5. Pizzorno, J.E., & Murray, M.T. (2021). The textbook of natural medicine. 5th ed. Elsevier.
6. Rafsky, H.A., & Weingarten, M. (1947). A study of the gastric secretory response in the aged. Gastroenterology, 8(3), 348-52.
7. Davies, D.T., &  James, T.G. (1930). An investigation into the gastric secretion of a hundred normal persons over the age of sixty. QJM, 24(93), 1-14.
8. Baron, J.H. (1963). Studies of basal and peak acid output with an augmented histamine test. Gut, 4(2), 136-44.
9. Kelly, G.S. (1997). Hydrochloric acid: Physiological functions and clinical implications. Alt Med Rev, 2(2), 116-27.
10. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed). (2006). Fenugreek. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501779/
11. Izzo, A.A., Di Carlo, G., Borrelli, F., et al. (2005). Cardiovascular pharmacotherapy and herbal medicines: The risk of drug interaction. Int J Cardiol, 98(1), 1-14. 
12. Gong, J., Fang, K., Dong, H., et al. (2016). Effect of fenugreek on hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in diabetes and prediabetes: A meta-analysis. J Ethnopharmacol, 194, 260-8