HCL DIGESTION SUPPORT WITH BETAINE HCL

Hydrochloric acid production tends to decrease with age, which may cause digestive difficulties. A primary function of hydrochloric acid is to activate pepsinogen to pepsin, beginning the digestion of proteins. Less hydrochloric acid may compromise the ability to break down proteins into amino acids, or lead to an elevated pH, affecting the digestive process and potentially causing discomfort. HCL supports the activation of the digestive system to maintain healthy stomach acidity, gastric function, and protein digestion.^†

• Betaine hydrochloride (betaine HCl) combines the amino acid betaine with hydrochloric acid, which may be used by the stomach to produce pepsin^†
• Suitable for vegetarian use with fungal pepsin^†
• Comprehensive enzyme blend with three sources of lipase for fat digestion, three sources of protease for protein digestion, and multiple carbohydrases for carbohydrate and fiber digestion^†

Many people notice symptoms of low stomach acid as:

• feeling overly full after small meals
• heaviness after meat
• bloating after eating
• undigested food in stool
• belching
• fatigue after meals

Functionally, low stomach acid can also affect the signaling to the gallbladder and pancreas. If the stomach is not acidic enough, bile release and digestive enzyme output may not be stimulated efficiently.

One important caution:
HCL is usually used carefully or avoided in people with:

• active ulcers
• gastritis
• burning stomach pain
• active H. pylori irritation
• esophageal irritation
• heavy NSAID use

A common sign someone took too much HCL is a warming or burning sensation in the stomach.