Hypochlorhydria

Twinlab Betaine HCl caps contain the highest
potency Betaine hydrochloride formula available
providing powdered Betaine HCl with pepsin in
gelatin capsules for quick acting and enhanced
effectiveness.

Well tolerated by most highly allergic individuals.

This is meant to be taken with food, since its
purpose is to free B12 and other nutrients from the
food. If your primary interest is taking it to increase
the amount of B12 you get, then you do not need to
take it when you are eating carbohydrates.

When I was making this Hydrochloric Acid page, it made me happy to read that,
"It often relieves the symptoms of heartburn, and improves digestion in people
with hypochlorhydria (low stomach acid)."

I was happy because that was my experience. Although I rarely have heartburn,
when I did have it and would take hydrochloric acid, the heartburn would
immediately abate. It seemed strange since the usual "cure" for heartburn is
removing acid. However, I know that taking hydrochloric acid removed my
heartburn.

Studies indicate trimethylglycine (TMG)(betaine
HCl), will promote healthy homocysteine levels,
which lower risk of stroke, heart attack and
dementia. It is also known to improve liver function.

Because Betaine HCl can irritate the stomach lining,
if you have a burning sensation, betaine HCl should
be discontinued. (My impression is that this is rare,
but serious. I was scared the first few times I took
Hydrochloric Acid, but I never had a problem. On
the contrary, it did a lot of good.)

Warning: People with a history of peptic ulcers,
gastritis, heartburn or other gastrointestinal
symptoms should see a physician before taking
betaine HCl. People taking medications that may
cause a peptic ulcer should not take betaine HCl.

I just read that people with adequate stomach acid and those who take
hydrochloric acid reduce the possibility of h.pylori taking up residence in their
stomachs. h.pylori causes low B12. So, if you don't have a reason not to take
hydrocholoric acid, it could be very useful. I can't put a credit here for the
research because I had a lot of pages open that it had taken me a long time to
find, and my computer shut down... I'm having some trouble with it right now.

I remember once decades ago having a really good book on nutrition that ended
with the author saying that if she were allowed only a limited number of
supplements, she would for sure include hydrochloric acid among them.

Natural Approach:
licorice, glutamine, and gentian
acupuncture and sometimes stimulation
of nerves to the stomach through
chiropractic will help.

Symptoms of Low stomach acid:
stomach bloating
burping
upset stomach
burning
flatulence
diarrhea
nausea from supplements
rectal itching
weak, peeling/cracked fingernails
dilated capillaries in cheeks/nose
(in non- alcoholics)
post adolescent Acne
iron deficiency
other mineral deficiencies
chronic intestinal infections
undigested food in stool
l ines on your fingernails

Your best bet if you have symptoms
of hypochlorhydria, but also have
peptic ulcers or gastritis, or are taking
NSAIDS, is methylcobalamin to lower
your homocysteine and enhance your
nerve and cardiovascular health.

In my experience, the Betaine with
pepsin works fine, and isn't irritating.

Low magnesium can cause pins and
needles. If you have pins and needles,
hydrochloric acid taken with foods
containing magnesium will help you get
the magnesium you need. If you have
kidney problems, then you shouldn't
take magnesium. Hydrochloric acid is
needed to release magnesium from
food.