It is well established that numerous factors are capable of affecting the function and structure of the gastrointestinal system. Recent research has demonstrated that the healthy production of hydrochloric acid and gastric enzymes are uniquely vulnerable to the effects of stress, occasional sleeplessness, and the aging process. 1,2
Nutritional supplements are available that support healthy hydrochloric acid and digestive enzyme production. Betaine hydrochloride has been used for over 100 years to safely support gastric acidity.3 Supplements containing digestive enzymes have been in use since the 1930s when Dr Edward Howell, an Illinois physician and scientist, began his study of food enzymes and human health.4 Since that time researchers, nutritionists, and other healthcare practitioners have steadily increased both their understanding and use of enzyme supplements.
How Does It Work?
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is an inorganic compound produced by the parietal cells in the mucosal lining. Highly acidic with a pH of 1.6, hydrochloric acid breaks down proteins, activates important enzymes and hormones, and maintains a sterile environment in the stomach. 1 Adequate amounts of HCl are needed for the absorption of vitamins, increasing the bioavailability of minerals, and converting inactive phytonutrients into biologically active compounds. Hydrochloric acid is also needed to convert pepsinogen into pepsin, a proteolytic (protein-breaking) enzyme that converts protein molecules into smaller subcomponents.2 Betaine hydrochloride (betaine HCl) is a supplemental nutrient that delivers HCl to the gastrointestinal tract.
Enzymes are organic compounds, frequently proteins, able to accelerate, or produce by catalytic action, change in substrates for which they are specific.1 Digestive enzymes are secreted by mucosal cells within the digestive gastrointestinal tract. Their chief function is to metabolize nutrients from food for digestion, absorption, and utilization. Pepsin is a powerful enzyme found in stomach acid that breaks up proteins from food, splitting them into usable amino acids.2 Nutritional supplements containing pepsin have been shown to support healthy digestion.
The following chart details research findings involving hydrochloric acid, betaine hydrochloride, and pepsin:
Betaine hydrochloride Normal and expected changes occur in the gastrointestinal tract's production of HCl with advancing age. 5,6 Researchers have demonstrated this begins in the second decade (ages 11 to 20). 7 HCL production can also be influenced by hormonal changes, occasional over consumption of food, liver health, intestinal tract integrity, and overall health.8-11
Pepsin While human gastric secretions contain many protein-digesting enzymes, the pepsins represent approximately 70 percent of these enzymes. 12 Pepsin is a powerful enzyme that breaks down proteins from food into usable amino acids.12 Research has shown that HCl levels, liver health, commensal bacteria balance, and healthy stomach mucosal integrity support healthy pepsin production.14-17
Formulated from clinical research findings, case studies, and supplementation Betaine HCl is a safe and effective means of supporting healthy gastric acid levels and the enzymatic action of pepsin.
Take 1 or 2 UltraCaps at the beginning of each meal, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. Do not chew. Not recommended for use if peptic ulcer, gastritis or heartburn is present.
Do not chew. Not recommended for use if peptic ulcer, gastritis or heartburn is present. If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs, consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use.
How Is It Supplied?
•126001; 100 UltraCaps
•126002; 250 UltraCaps
Store at controlled room temperature, 59° to 86°F (15° – 30°C).
Betaine HCl 1.3g *
Pepsin (acid-stable protease) 260mg *
This product does not contain
This product contains natural ingredients; color variations are normal.
If pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription drugs, consult your healthcare practitioner prior to use.
Distributed by an FDA-registered Drug Establishment.
Other Ingredients: vegetable capsule (modified cellulose), cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide.