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Overview: Betaine anhydrous is available as a prescription medicine that is used to treat a rare condition called homocystinuria. It is also available over-the-counter as a supplement. Betaine anhydrous supplements may be used to improve heart health and physical performance, but their benefits are not well defined. Common side effects may include nausea or upset stomach. Before taking betaine anhydrous, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is betaine anhydrous used for?

Betaine anhydrous is available as a prescription medicine that is used to lower homocysteine levels in people with a rare condition called homocystinuria.

Betaine anhydrous is also available as a dietary supplement that is used for various reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons that people use these supplements include the following.

  • To improve heart and blood vessel health
  • To improve physical performance during exercise

These uses may vary depending on the specific betaine anhydrous product prescribed or used.

Betaine anhydrous may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not reviewed betaine anhydrous dietary supplements for safety and effectiveness, and they are not approved by the FDA. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does betaine anhydrous work (mechanism of action)?

Betaine is naturally found in certain foods, including beets and spinach. Your body also makes betaine from another nutrient called choline. Betaine anhydrous is a form of betaine that is available as a prescription medicine and in foods, drinks, and dietary supplements. Most betaine anhydrous supplements are made from beets. 

Homocystinuria is a rare condition caused by a change (mutation) to a gene that prevents the body from breaking down certain amino acids. When this happens, a chemical called homocysteine builds up and causes serious health problems. Betaine anhydrous can bind to homocysteine and turn it into an amino acid called methionine. Taking prescription betaine anhydrous, in combination with diet changes and other treatments, can help to reduce symptoms and long-term health problems in people with homocystinuria.

In people without homocystinuria, certain lifestyle factors may cause homocysteine levels to be slightly higher than normal. Over time, these high levels may increase the risk for health issues like heart and blood vessel problems. This has led to interest in taking betaine anhydrous supplements for heart health. 

Some research shows that taking 1.5 grams of betaine anhydrous each day may help lower homocysteine levels. But it is not clear if this can help reduce the risk of serious heart or blood vessel problems over time. Also, taking higher doses, such as 4 grams or more each day, may increase levels of “bad” (LDL) cholesterol in people who are already at a higher risk for heart disease, such as those who are overweight or have a condition called metabolic syndrome. Speak with your health care provider before taking betaine anhydrous supplements for heart health.

There is also interest in using betaine anhydrous to improve performance during exercise, but its benefits for this use are not well defined.

How is betaine anhydrous supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Cystadane

Dosage forms and strengths

Betaine anhydrous is available as a prescription in a 180 gram bottle of powder for oral solution (providing 1 gram of powder per scoopful).

Betaine anhydrous is also available as a dietary supplement in various strengths and dosage forms.

How should I store betaine anhydrous?

Powder for Mixing. Betaine anhydrous should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C). Store in a cool, dry place and keep the container tightly closed.

Dietary Supplement. Betaine anhydrous dietary supplements should be stored according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight. If you are not sure how to store your product, ask your pharmacist.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of betaine anhydrous?

The most common side effects of betaine anhydrous are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nausea
  • Upset stomach

There may be other side effects of betaine anhydrous that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of betaine anhydrous?

While less common, the most serious side effects of betaine anhydrous are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Betaine anhydrous may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking betaine anhydrous and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Brain Swelling. In people with a certain form of homocystinuria, called CBS deficiency, betaine anhydrous may cause brain swelling (cerebral edema). This condition is rare but can be serious and life-threatening. If you have CBS deficiency, your health care provider will monitor your blood work to reduce the risk of brain swelling. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Severe headache
  • Severe neck pain or stiffness
  • Vision changes

High Cholesterol Levels. Taking high doses of betaine anhydrous supplements may increase cholesterol levels in certain people, including those who are overweight or have a condition called metabolic syndrome. Before taking betaine anhydrous supplements, speak with a health care provider about the risks of high cholesterol.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use betaine anhydrous?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take betaine anhydrous.

  • Betaine
  • Cystadane
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific betaine anhydrous products they stock.

What should I know about betaine anhydrous before using it?

There are multiple forms of betaine anhydrous available. If betaine anhydrous was prescribed to you by a health care provider, use it as prescribed. If you are using betaine anhydrous as a supplement over-the-counter, read and follow the instructions that come with the product or use it as recommended by your health care provider. Betaine anhydrous dietary supplements cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease. If you have any questions about how to use betaine anhydrous, talk to your health care provider.

Do not share betaine anhydrous that was prescribed for you by a health care provider with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep betaine anhydrous out of the reach of children.

Prescription betaine anhydrous is not the same as betaine anhydrous supplements. If your doctor has prescribed betaine anhydrous for you, use the product that was prescribed. Do not use betaine anhydrous supplements in its place.

There are also betaine hydrochloride supplements available. These are not the same as betaine anhydrous.

Prescription betaine anhydrous is a powder that must be mixed before use. Before removing the cap, gently shake the bottle. Then measure the powder using the scoop that was provided with the prescription. Mix the powder with four to six ounces (½ to ¾ cup) of water, juice, milk, or formula until it dissolves completely. The powder may also be mixed with food. Once it is mixed, the dose should be taken right away. 

Keep all appointments for blood work while you are taking betaine anhydrous. If your health care provider prescribed betaine anhydrous, they will regularly check your blood levels to monitor for side effects and adjust your dose when needed.

The FDA has not tested betaine anhydrous dietary supplements to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using betaine anhydrous?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if betaine anhydrous is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Yeast Allergy. Yeast may be used to make betaine anhydrous supplements. If you have a yeast allergy, you may be at higher risk for an allergic reaction to these products. Speak with your health care provider before taking betaine anhydrous supplements. Prescription betaine anhydrous is not made with yeast.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Before taking supplements that contain betaine anhydrous, tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how betaine anhydrous could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if betaine anhydrous passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take betaine anhydrous while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does betaine anhydrous interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between betaine anhydrous and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect betaine anhydrous.

Does betaine anhydrous interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between betaine anhydrous and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with betaine anhydrous. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much betaine anhydrous?

If you or someone else has used too much betaine anhydrous, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of betaine anhydrous?

If you miss a dose of prescription betaine anhydrous, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

If you are taking a betaine anhydrous supplement, read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to take it safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.