Betaine Anhydrous: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Betaine anhydrous is a chemical that occurs naturally in the body. It can also be found in foods such as beets, spinach, cereals, seafood, and wine.

Betaine anhydrous helps the body to process a chemical called homocysteine. Homocysteine is involved in the normal function of many different parts of the body, including blood, bones, eyes, heart, muscles, nerves, and the brain. Betaine anhydrous prevents the buildup of homocysteine in the blood.

A specific betaine anhydrous prescription product (Cystadane) is FDA-approved for the treatment of high urine levels of homocysteine (homocystinuria). People also use non-prescription betaine anhydrous supplements for reducing blood and urine homocysteine levels, athletic performance, depression, dry mouth, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Don't confuse betaine anhydrous with betaine hydrochloride. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

Effective for

High levels of homocysteine in the urine (homocystinuria). Taking betaine anhydrous by mouth lowers homocysteine levels in the urine. A specific prescription form of betaine anhydrous (Cystadane) is FDA-approved for treating certain disorders in both children and adults.

Possibly Effective for

High levels of homocysteine in the blood (hyperhomocysteinemia). Taking betaine anhydrous by mouth lowers homocysteine levels in the blood of some people. But it's not clear if this also decreases the risk of heart disease.

There is interest in using betaine anhydrous for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Betaine anhydrous is likely safe when used in doses of up to 6 grams daily. Betaine anhydrous is available as an FDA-approved prescription product (Cystadane) and a dietary supplement. It's usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, and body odor.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if betaine anhydrous is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if betaine anhydrous is safe to use when pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Betaine anhydrous is likely safe for most children when taken by mouth in doses up to 150mg/kg daily.

High cholesterol: Betaine anhydrous can increase levels of total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol in some people. People with high cholesterol should use betaine anhydrous cautiously.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Betaine Anhydrous overview.

Dosing

Betaine anhydrous has most often been used by adults in doses of 1.25-3 grams by mouth twice daily. Betaine anhydrous is available as an FDA-approved prescription product (Cystadane) and a dietary supplement. Prescription products are standardized, meaning they contain a consistent dose of betaine anhydrous. Non-prescription products may contain more or less betaine anhydrous than indicated on the label.

Discuss the use of both prescription and non-prescription products with a healthcare provider.

View References

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