DESCRIPTION Betaine Hydrochloride, provided by Douglas
Laboratories®, is a powdered dietary supplement of
hydrochloric acid supplied in two-piece gelatin
capsules.
FUNCTIONS The breakdown of dietary protein begins in the
stomach where gastric hydrochloric acid assumes an
important role in protein digestion and other
processes.
Hydrochloric acid acts as a catalyst in the activation
of pepsin from pepsinogen. Active pepsin is a
proteolytic enzyme which splits large protein
molecules into smaller polypeptides. Additionally,
hydrochloric acid acts directly on dietary proteins by
loosening up their macromolecular structure
(denaturing).
Gastric hydrochloric acid also helps reduce poorly
available trivalent ferric iron into more soluble and
absorbable divalent ferrous iron.
Another physiological role of gastric hydrochloric
acid is to protect the body from food-borne enteric
infections through its antibacterial properties.
INDICATIONS Betaine Hydrochloride capsules may be a useful
nutritional adjunct for individuals who wish to
supplement their diets with hydrochloric acid.
FORMULA (HC1) Serving Size 1 Capsule - Servings per Container 250
Each capsule contains:
