Anhydrous betaine vs Betaine HCl · which to choose

2 distinctly functional forms · anhydrous is methyl donor · HCl is stomach acid · NOT interchangeable.

Trimethylglycine without HCl

Best for

Ideal use: ALL methylation use, Hcy, NAFLD, NMN stack. Canon form.

Advantages

Form used in ALL RCTs (McRae, Sookoian, Aggarwal). Pure BHMT methyl donor. No stomach acidity. Economical.

Disadvantages

Slightly sweet-salty taste · if bulk powder. Capsules more expensive vs powder.

Betaine + hydrochloric acid

Best for

Ideal use (different): hypochlorhydria · protein digestion. Do NOT use for methylation.

Advantages

Provides HCl for stomach acidity · useful hypochlorhydria. Classic functional medicine digestive version.

Disadvantages

NOT an effective methyl donor · HCl releases and betaine remains as buffer. Does NOT replace anhydrous TMG for methylation.

Which form for your goal?

Anhydrous betaine (pure TMG)

Ideal use: ALL methylation use, Hcy, NAFLD, NMN stack. Canon form.

Betaine HCl (hydrochloride)

Ideal use (different): hypochlorhydria · protein digestion. Do NOT use for methylation.

2 distinctly functional forms · anhydrous is methyl donor · HCl is stomach acid · NOT interchangeable.