General Description
Hydrochloric acid is found naturally in the gastric juices in the
stomach, where it is needed to convert the enzyme pepsinogen into
pepsin, an active enzyme that breaks down proteins for further digestion
in the small intestine. Produced by the cells lining the stomach,
hydrochloric acid also helps protect the digestive tract from bacterial
infections. Hydrochloric acid is available as a dietary supplement
in the form of betaine hydrochloride, which is a hydrochloric salt
of betaine, a natural compound first isolated from sugar beets,
but now known to be present in many plants and animals.
Health Applications
- Digestive support
- Gastrointestinal health
Primary Uses
Betaine hydrochloride supplements are used to increase stomach
acidity in people with insufficient levels of stomach acid (hypochlorhydria).
In most people, the cells lining the stomach produce all the acid
necessary for healthy digestion; however, various factors can
impede natural acid production, resulting in poor protein digestion,
reduced absorption of vitamin B-12 and certain minerals, and increased
susceptibility to bacterial overgrowth in the upper gut.4
Hypochlorhydria is most common in the elderly,3,4
as the body's ability to produce hydrochloric acid delines with
age. Reduced stomach acid secretion has been associated with infection
by Helicobacter pylori,1,5 a gastrointestinal
bacterial pathogen that damages acid-producing cells. Some researchers
believe that Helicobacter pylori is responsible for most cases
of chronic hypochlorhydria.1,5
Dosage/Toxicity
Betaine hydrochloride supplements should only be taken under a
doctor's supervision by people with diagnosed hypochlorhydria.
Prescribed doses are typically taken with or immediately following
protein-containing meals. Self medicating with betaine hydrochloride
is strongly discouraged, as excessive hydrochloric acid can damage
the stomach lining. |
