What is the Difference Between Betaine HCl and Betaine Anhydrous

The key difference between betaine HCl and betaine anhydrous is that betaine HCl has a betaine molecule in association with a hydrochloric acid component, whereas betaine anhydrous is pure betaine with around 1% impurity of water.

Betaine is a modified amino acid compound containing glycine with three methyl groups. These methyl groups can serve as methyl donors in several metabolic processes and are also useful in treating rare genetic causes of homocystinuria. It is abbreviated as BET and is an amino acid that has potential benefits for fighting heart diseases, improvement of body composition, and helping the promotion of muscle gain and fat loss. Betaine HCl and betaine anhydrous are two derivatives of betaine.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Betaine HCl 
3. What is Betaine Anhydrous
4. Betaine HCl vs Betaine Anhydrous in Tabular Form
5. Summary – Betaine HCl vs Betaine Anhydrous

What is Betaine HCl?

Betaine HCl can be described as betaine hydrochloride. It is a chemical compound that is produced in laboratories. Betaine HCl can increase stomach acid. In the past, this compound was available over the counter in the form of a digestive aid and as a source of hydrochloric acid (it is a major component in stomach juice which is low in some people). However, betaine HCl was banned later because there was a lack of evidence to recognize this substance as safe and effective. At present, we can find this compound as a dietary supplement in shops.

The uses of betaine HCL include promotion of healthy stomach pH, enhancement of protein and vitamin absorption, reduction of symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, reduction of symptoms of food allergies, etc.

What is Betaine Anhydrous?

Betaine anhydrous can be described as a derivative of betaine, and it naturally occurs in the body. We can also find it in food items such as beet, spinach, cereals, seafood, and wine. This substance is very important as it is involved in liver function, cellular reproduction, and making carnitine. Moreover, it is helpful in metabolizing the amino acid homocysteine in the body.

The chemical formula of betaine anhydrous is (CH₃)₃N⁺CH₂COO^–. It has about 98% purity. Its molar mass is 117.15 g/mol. As an impurity, this substance has about 1% of water. The melting point of betaine anhydrous occurs in the range of 301 – 305 degrees Celsius. This substance is soluble in methanol, giving a clear solution.

As a supplement or medication, betaine anhydrous is important in treating or preventing dry mouth, which is why it is used in toothpaste and mouthwash. Moreover, it is effective against the high level of homocysteine in the urine. Further, it is possibly effective for an inherited disorder that can cause physical and learning disabilities. However, the intake of betaine anhydrous does not appear to prevent seizures or improve mental function in children having Angelman syndrome.

Most of the time, taking betaine anhydrous appears to be safe in adults. However, it can cause some side effects, such as nausea, stomach ache, and diarrhea, along with body odor. Sometimes, the cholesterol levels also rise up.

What is the Difference Between Betaine HCl and Betaine Anhydrous?

Betaine HCl and betaine anhydrous are important supplements that are derived from the organic compound betaine. The key difference between betaine HCl and betaine anhydrous is that betaine HCl has a betaine molecule in association with a hydrochloric acid component, whereas betaine anhydrous is pure betaine with around 1% impurity of water.

Below is a summary of the difference between betaine HCl and betaine anhydrous in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.

Summary – Betaine HCl vs Betaine Anhydrous

Betaine HCl can be described as betaine hydrochloride, while betaine anhydrous can be described as a derivative of betaine that naturally occurs in the body. The key difference between betaine HCl and betaine anhydrous is that betaine HCl has a betaine molecule in association with a hydrochloric acid component, whereas betaine anhydrous is pure betaine with around 1% impurity of water.

Reference:

1. “Betaine Anhydrous: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews.” WebMD.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Betaine” (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “B vitamin supplement tablets” By Ragesoss – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia