The Solgar Betaine Hydrochloride with Pepsin supplement is a digestive aid containing betaine and pepsin enzymes to better break down protein foods. Betain increases the amount of stomach fluids needed to digest proteins as they stimulate the pancreas to secrete its digestive enzymes. Hydrochloric acid also ensures the release of the "endogenous factor" necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12.
Gastrointestinal levels decrease with age and depleted by the use of antacids. Inside the stomach, hydrochloric acid acts to produce pepsin, an enzyme that is absolutely necessary for breaking the protein into smaller, more absorbable portions. Useful in cases of gas, swelling, dyspepsia due to decreased production of hydrochloric acid from the stomach.
