Betaine HCl is a natural stomach acidifier made from betaine, an alkaloid found in foods such as beetroot. It is designed to compensate for the decline in gastric acidity typically seen after the age of 50, thus providing benefits for improving digestion, nutrient absorption and the prevention of gastrointestinal infections. The supplement is enzymatically stabilised (by the presence of proteases) to ensure it remains effective over time.
After food moves down the oesophagus, it enters the stomach, the lining of which immediately secretes hydrochloric acid. This highly acidic fluid is produced (at a rate of around two litres a day) by parietal cells every time we eat. It is strong enough to destroy the vast majority of bacteria that enter the digestive tract along with food.
Its main role, however, is to promote protein digestion by activating pepsin. Secreted by other stomach cells, this digestive enzyme is only effective in highly acidic environments. How is the stomach able to withstand the corrosive effect of hydrochloric acid? Its inner walls are coated with a protective layer of mucus produced by certain stomach cells. When production of this mucus is inadequate, however, the gastric mucosa rapidly erodes, potentially resulting in ulcers or gastritis. If nothing is done to address it, the acid may even perforate the stomach wall, allowing its contents to pass into the abdominal cavity, and cause peritonitis.
Pepsin, the active dietary protein-digesting enzyme of the stomach, is no longer activated, marking the start of digestive problems. Hydrochloric acid has four fundamental roles:
Hypochlorhydria, or a lack of hydrochloric acid, is much more widespread than you might think. Normal stomach acidity corresponds to a pH of 1-2 (6). As we age, however, the stomach’s parietal cells produce less hydrochloric acid (7), and our pH rises … In fact, 50% of those over 60 have an inadequate level of stomach acidity. By the age of 85, this proportion rises to almost 80%. What’s more, there are additional factors that can exacerbate the situation:
The effects of inadequate acidity spill over into many of the body’s functions.
In addition, a number of health issues are linked to problems with gastric acid production, particularly allergies, asthma and gallstones.
Betaine HCl should be taken before meals in order to prepare the stomach and facilitate digestion. Take care to chew food properly during the supplementation period. If you’re not sure whether your acidity levels are adequate, you can follow these steps:
Betaine HCl can be combined with other supplements available to buy at Supersmart, such as this one for combatting Helicobacter pylori, H. Pylori Fight, if you suspect the presence of this bacteria in your stomach. To maximise protein absorption, it’s also a good idea to supplement with organic aloe vera. Lastly, in order to boost your gut flora – which may have been destabilised by the bacterial proliferation enabled by low gastric acidity - it can be really helpful to add in the excellent probiotic Probio Forte. In terms of phytotherapy, peppermint and gentian are also recognised for their ability to stimulate secretion of hydrochloric acid.
Hydrochloric acid supplements are not recommended for those suffering from ulcers, nor should they be taken by pregnant women experiencing problems with stomach acid, or those taking antihistamines (H2) or proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole or other generic forms.
The tablets should not be crushed into food. Alcohol should be avoided. Consult a health professional before supplementing if you are taking anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, NSAIDs, aspirin or ibuprofen.
Betaine hydrochloride is a supplement that’s been used for more than a century for naturally restoring gastric acidity and supporting digestion. Betaine is a completely natural, safe substance (10), found in a wide variety of foods such as beetroot, spinach and whole grains. It offers a range of additional benefits:
Buy Betaine HCl to compensate for the decline in gastric acidity.
july 7 2023
Your products are good.
october 26 2024
Excellent produit
october 10 2024
Parfait en cas de manque d’acidité dans l’estomac. En tant que nutritionniste, je le prescrit à mes patients chez qui le test au bicarbonate montre un problème
Perfect in case of lack of acidity in the stomach. As a nutritionist, I prescribe it to my patients for whom the bicarbonate test shows a problem.
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october 2 2024
Plus de problème de lourdeur.
No more heaviness problem.
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june 28 2024
J’en prends 2 tous les jours pour protéger mes yeux de la lumière extérieure.
I take 2 every day to protect my eyes from external light.
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