When it comes to optimizing health through supplements, few comparisons create more confusion than TMG vs Betaine HCL. I’ve been asked this question over and over—by customers, friends, even health professionals. And I understand why. They both fall under the “betaine” umbrella, but what they do inside the body is completely different.
This article breaks it down clearly so you can make the right decision for your own health goals.
What Is Betaine?
Betaine is a compound found naturally in foods like beets and spinach. But here’s where it gets tricky: betaine can take different forms. The two most common—TMG and Betaine HCL—serve very different purposes.
- TMG, or trimethylglycine, is a methyl donor that supports liver health, cardiovascular function, and cellular detox.
- Betaine HCL is used to restore proper stomach acid levels for optimal digestion and nutrient absorption.
In short, they have different roles and benefits. Understanding which one your body actually needs depends on what you're trying to fix or optimize.
Betaine HCL: For Digestion, Not Methylation
When digestion is sluggish—when meals sit in your stomach too long or protein feels hard to break down—it’s often a sign of low stomach acid. That’s where Betaine HCL comes in. It’s not just a “stomach acid supplement.” It’s a foundational piece for nutrient absorption, gut health, and even energy levels.
Betaine HCL helps you:
- Break down proteins more efficiently
- Absorb B12, iron, calcium, and magnesium
- Eliminate gas, bloating, and that “heavy” feeling after meals
Many people with acid reflux are surprised to learn that the issue often comes from too little stomach acid—not too much. Betaine HCL supports your body’s ability to digest meals properly from the start.
I formulated Betaine HCL Plus to include the purest form of HCL with supportive ingredients that work with your body, not against it. And for me personally, it’s made meals feel lighter and more energizing—especially protein-heavy ones.
TMG: The Cellular Support You Didn't Know You Needed
TMG, or trimethylglycine, operates on a much deeper level—literally down to your cells. It’s a methyl donor, meaning it gives up methyl groups that your body uses to support a long list of vital processes, including:
- Detoxification
- DNA repair
- Neurotransmitter production
- Liver function
- Heart health (by helping reduce homocysteine)
If you’re looking for support with cardiovascular health, liver detox, or cognitive clarity, this is where TMG earns its place in your supplement stack.
Athletes also turn to TMG for its impact on physical performance—helping with endurance and faster recovery.
We’ve formulated a clean, bioavailable version you can explore here:
TMG Methyl Donor + Anti-Aging
If you want to learn more about the science of TMG, I go deeper in this earlier article:
Are Betaine HCL and TMG Both Betaine?
Which Should You Take?
This is where I always bring it back to symptoms and goals.
If you’re dealing with:
- Gas, bloating, indigestion
- Heaviness after meals
- Acid reflux
- Nutrient absorption issues
Then Betaine HCL is your solution. It’s about restoring the acidic environment in your stomach that your digestive system needs to function properly.
But if you’re focused on:
- Supporting methylation
- Reducing homocysteine
- Detox and liver health
- Boosting endurance or cognitive function
Then you’ll benefit from TMG instead. It’s not going to help with digestion—but it will help your cells perform at a higher level.
I talk more about the distinctions in this previous blog:
Discovering the Benefits of Betaine HCL vs Betaine Anhydrous (TMG)
Can You Take Both?
Absolutely. In fact, many of our customers do. Since they target totally different systems—digestive and cellular—they can be used together without interference.
Personally, I use Betaine HCL before meals that include heavier proteins, and I cycle in TMG during detox phases or when I’m pushing harder in training. These aren’t overlapping supplements. They’re complementary tools—if you know when and how to use them.
Where I Land on This
There’s no need to overcomplicate it. At K3 Nutriments, I don’t formulate based on trends—I formulate based on what the body actually needs. And when it comes to TMG vs Betaine HCL, the key is understanding what you need right now.
Digestive symptoms? Start with Betaine HCL Plus.
Methylation support, detox, or endurance goals? Go with TMG Methyl Donor + Anti-Aging.
Two supplements. Two distinct roles. Both backed by real science and experience.
— Doug Krussel