Betaine Hydrochloride (HCL) ok during pregnancy?!
Question: I am having problems digesting my food. I am 5 months pregnant. My Dr. told me to take Betaine hydrochloride and pepsin with my meals to help me digest (HCL). Is this safe during pregnancy? My Dr says it is, but I see conflicting reports on the web.
Answers: I am having problems digesting my food. I am 5 months pregnant. My Dr. told me to take Betaine hydrochloride and pepsin with my meals to help me digest (HCL). Is this safe during pregnancy? My Dr says it is, but I see conflicting reports on the web.
What you are seeing on the web is talking about exposure to vapors of hydrochloric acid, not about taking pills with a meal. Sort of like saying you can't drink from the municipal water supply because it is treated with chlorine when we know that chlorine gas is poison, especially to babies.
However, if you are still concerned, there are alternatives. You can take digestive bitters (Chamomile, Chickory, Gentian or a product called Swedish Bitters) at the start of a meal to increase your production of HCL. Also very helpful to sip vinegar water with meals. Mix 2-3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar and equal amount of honey in a little hot water. After it's dissolved, add cool water until it tastes pleasant.
If your dr says to go ahead and take it and you are having trouble eating you have to do something. And you are under his care and watch so go ahead and if you have any problems with the med, then contact him immediatly