A low level of gastric acid increases the likelihood and severity of certain bacterial and parasitic intestinal infections. A normal stomach’s level of gastric acid is sufficient to destroy bacteria.1 In one study, most fasting patients who had normal gastric acid in the stomach had virtually no bacteria in the small intestine. In those with low hydrochloric acid levels, there was some bacterial colonization of the stomach.

Gastric acid is produced by the parietal cells of the stomach. The acidity is quite strong in a normal stomach. In fact, the stomach can be between 100,000 and almost 1,000,000 times more acidic than water.

In what conditions might betaine hydrochloride be supportive?

• allergy
• anemia
• asthma
• atherosclerosis
• diarrhea
• gallstones
• indigestion and heartburn
• rheumatoid arthritis
• thyroid conditions
• tic douloureaux
• vitiligo