Betaine citrate is recommended when it is difficult to digest, to relieve bloating and intestinal discomfort. Perfect for holiday meals! Here’s when and how to take it.
Remedy of our grandmothers betaine citrate is THE medicine to have at home or in your bag when you have trouble digesting! “It is particularly indicated during holidays or when eating a little richer than usual”says pharmacist Issam Bouha. Dosage.
Definition: what is betaine citrate?
Betaine citrate is a drug whose active substance is extracted from beets. It is indicated in case of digestive disorders, bloating or intestinal discomfort. This medicine comes in the form ofan effervescent tablet to dissolve in half a glass of water, before or after a meal. If this self-medication specialty is on sale in pharmacies, it is not insignificantand it is necessary to scrupulously respect its dosage and its indications.
When to take betaine citrate?
► Against digestive problems
“This medication is indicated for the treatment of digestive disorders of the type digestive sluggishness or bloatingsays Issam Bouha, pharmacist. You can take it if you feel digestive discomfort or if you have a swollen stomach”. According to the Medicines Agencybetaine is involved in the synthesis of phospholipids (lipids formed from a glycerol bound to two fatty acids) which have an action on gastric motility. In other words, the betaine promotes the movements of the digestive system : these contractions are used to mix the food contained in the digestive tract, to break them and break them into smaller pieces in order to better digest them.
► Against liver attacks
“Betaine citrate is particularly indicated during holidays or when eating a little richer than usualindicates the pharmacist, After a meal that is too fatty, the liver can be overloaded with triglycerides or cholesterol.” That’s what we call “a liver attack” in the popular French language. Betaine citrate promotes hepatic stimulation: it stimulates the release of bile – a liquid secreted by the liver which promotes digestion – to metabolize excess fats and therefore facilitate digestion. For the duration of the treatment, it is advisable to take light meals, to avoid carbonated water and to eliminate alcohol, spicy dishes and tobacco.
► After consuming alcohol
After a drunken evening, it is possible to take a betaine citrate tablet just before bed. The active substance of this drug will make it possible to accelerate the degradation of toxins – therefore alcohol – by the liver and to prevent it from being transformed by liver enzymes into acetaldehyde, a substance responsible for nausea and the feeling of “hangover”. If the next day you are not better, you can take a second tablet just before a light, low-fat lunch. Remember that it is also important to stay well hydrated in order toremove acetaldehyde faster and that alcohol abuse is dangerous to health.
What is the dosage of betaine citrate?
Once you feel better, it is advisable to stop the treatment.
Generally, betaine citrate has a positive effect on digestive discomfort from the 1st or 2nd day of intake. Rest assured, there are rarely cases of overdose. “To my knowledge, I have never heard of a case of overdose. But of course it should not be abused. It is necessary to scrupulously respect what is indicated on the notice, namely one tablet one to three times a day for a short period (2-3 days), as well as the instructions of the pharmacist. And once you feel better, it is advisable to stop the treatment. However, if symptoms persist, a doctor should be consulted.“, specifies Issam Bouha. In any case, the duration of treatment is limited to 7 days. If symptoms persist for more than 7 days, a doctor should be consulted.
What are the contraindications?
This specialty is contraindicated:
- Under 15 years old. “We avoid giving children products on which we have little or no information on the risks of overdose or side effects“, specifies our interlocutor.
- To pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy.
- People who are allergic or hypersensitive to the active substance or to any of the components contained in betaine citrate.
- For people intolerant to fructose or in case of malabsorption of glucose or galactose.
Can we take betaine citrate while pregnant?
Betaine citrate is contraindicated for pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy. There are currently no sufficiently relevant data to assess a possible malformative or foetotoxic effect of betaine citrate when administered during pregnancy. If in doubt, it is best not to take betaine citrate throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What are the dangers and side effects of betaine citrate?
“Going for drugs that we all have at home, such as betaine citrate, should in no case be systematic”
Like any medicine, allergic reactions may occur after taking betaine citrate: pimples, itching or redness of the skin (allergic hives), swelling of the neck or face (angioedema). In case of side effects after taking the drug, consult a doctor or pharmacist without delay. Similarly, if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicine, including medicine obtained without a prescription, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to avoid any bad drug interaction.
What precautions before taking betaine citrate?
Outside the festive period, a swollen belly, bloating, loss of appetite and no bowel movements for 3-4 days may reveal another problem (oesophageal candidiasis, Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel, etc.) than a simple digestive disorder and require appropriate treatment. In this case, betaine citrate is absolutely not indicated. “This medicinal product should only be administered after a well-targeted questioning by the pharmacist (date of last stool, description of symptoms, transit status, diet, medical history, etc.). Going for drugs that we all have at home, such as betaine citrate, should in no case be systematic“, concludes the pharmacist.
Which laboratories manufacture betaine citrate?
In France, betaine citrate is marketed by two laboratories : UPSA® Betaine Citrate and Cristers® Betaine Citrate. Betaine citrate Biogaran® and Mylan® have been withdrawn from the market.
What is the price of betaine citrate?
A box of 20 betaine citrate tablets (two cases of 10 effervescent tablets) costs between 3.50 euros and 4.95 euros. This medication is not reimbursed by health insurance.
Thanks to Issam Bouha, pharmacist.