Betaine HCl and pepsin are naturally occurring gastric-juice components that render nutrients available for absorption and biological activity. Betaine HCl is an acidic form of betaine, which promotes optimal gastric lumen acidity; pepsin is a protein-digesting enzyme that catalyzes the splitting of peptide bonds.
Both promote the solubilization of food particles and the healthy absorption and utilization of nutrients, including protein, calcium, vitamin B12, and iron. Contact with gastric juices causes protein and polysaccharide degradation, allowing them to become more accessible to the actions of the hydrolytic enzymes in the duodenum and jejunum. As stomach acid secretion decreases with age, betaine HCl can help substitute endogenous stomach acid production and help promote optimal digestion.
NPN: 80060441
