Hydrochloric acid secretion in the stomach assists protein digestion by activating pepsinogen to pepsin, renders the stomach sterile against ingested pathogens, inhibits undesirable overgrowth in the small intestine, and encourages the flow of bile and pancreatic enzymes. Hydrochloric acid also facilitates the absorption of a number of nutrients, including folate, vitamin B12, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, iron, and some forms of calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Numerous studies show hydrochloric acid secretion in the stomach declines with advancing age. Overuse of antacids can also lead to low levels of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which can result in poor protein digestion. Thorne Research offers hydrochloric acid and pure pepsin from a porcine source. Unlike many supplement companies, the pepsin utilized in Thorne Research’s product is pure, undiluted, and lactose-free.
Medicinal Ingredients:
- Betaine Hydrochloride 520 mg
- Pepsin (Porcine pancreas) (320,000 FCC Pepsin units/capsule) 23.5 mg
Non-Medicinal Ingredients:
- Hypromellose (derived from cellulose) capsule
- L-Leucine
- Silicon Dioxide.
Recommended Dose:
Take 1-2 capsules with each meal or as directed by a health-care practitioner. For occasional use only. Consult a health-care practitioner for use beyond four weeks. Do not take this product out of the capsule.
Risk Information:
Consult a health-care practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen. Consult a health-care practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have pancreatitis, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency or cystic fibrosis. Do not use if you are sensitive to pancreatic enzymes and/or pork proteins. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain/epigastric pain and/or heartburn have been known to occur, in which case discontinue use (and consult a health-care practitioner).
