Improves nutrient absorption
Restores normal acidification of stomach
Reduces risk of food allergies
Stimulates hydrochloric acid secretion
Regulates functioning of digestive system
Optimises digestion processes
Supports protein digestion
Prevents indigestion
Helps to eliminate heartburn

Doctor’s Best, Betaine HCL Pepsin & Gentian Bitters is a composition of three components that work in synergy and support the efficacy of digestion. Betaine HCl and pepsin acidify the stomach, creating a beneficial environment for the smooth breakdown of food and nutrient absorption. Their effect is reinforced by a gentian extract which stimulates digestion and works as a tonic for the digestive system.

The preparation is recommended for people with digestive disorders caused by insufficient levels of gastric acids. It helps to regulate the rhythm of bowel movements and get rid of uncomfortable ailments like heartburn, reflux, flatulence, the feeling of a bloated stomach, burping, gas. Additional benefits of supplementation are the minimisation of the risk of food allergy symptoms and autoimmune reactions, and improved absorption of vitamins and minerals present in food.

Betaine HCl (betaine hydrochloride) is a source of hydrochloric acid, exactly like the one produced naturally by the organism. It supplements the deficiencies of gastric juices, supports the process of digestion, and determines normal absorption of nutrients.

Moreover, betaine hydrochloride works as a lipotropic agent – it prevents fat storage in the liver, neutralises toxins and metabolic waste. It protects the organism from pathological growth of fungi of the strain Candida albicans.

Betaine HCl is used not only for treating hydrochloric acid deficiencies, but it also proves effective in the case of liver and digestive system function disorders, hypokalaemia, food allergies and candidiasis.

Pepsin – a proteolytic enzyme of acidic proteases. Pepsin is naturally secreted by gastric glands in the mucous membrane of the stomach in the inactive form of a precursor called pepsinogen. Released under the influence of impulses from the vagus nerve and hormones (gastrin and secretin), pepsinogen is activated by hydrochloric acid and transformed into the active form – pepsin.

Pepsin plays the role of a biological catalyst in the organism, which means that it affects the speed at which some reaction take place – in this case, it is the digestion of proteins. Pepsin’s activity causes the hydroxylation of peptide bonds inside polypeptide chains. That way, proteins are easily degraded to smaller particles called peptides which are easily absorbed by the intestinal mucous membranes.

Pepsin deficiencies, just like insufficient hydrochloric acid production, seriously distorts the process of digestion. Undigested proteins not only cause gastric problems, but they also disturb the balance of the immune system. They can lead to increased production of antibodies and worsening of the symptoms of autoimmune diseases.

Great yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea) is a plant whose root has been used for ages to enhance the process of digestion, stimulate liver functions, and alleviate digestive problems (diarrhoea, heartburn, abdominal pain, vomiting).

Bitter substances of the group of secoiridoids (gentiamarin and amarogentin) found in gentian have an irritant effect on taste buds localised on the tongue, stimulate the secretion of saliva and gastric juice. They also have a cholagogic and cholepoietic effect. That way, gentian prepares the organism for digestion and enhances the efficiency of the process.

The plant also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. It inhibits the development of viruses responsible for liver diseases, helps to regenerate the organ’s cells, and supports gallbladder functions.

Hydrochloric acid – why so important?
Hydrochloric acid, that is a natural substance secreted by parietal cells of the stomach, is the secret superpower of the digestive system. It determines the normal process of digestion and several other functions equally essential for the organism.

Normal hydrochloric acid levels are crucial for the efficacy of the digestive process. The substance lowers the pH of food content filling the stomach and enables its dissolution to tiny bits possible for the organism to absorb and assimilate.

Hydrochloric acid is essential for the absorption of many nutrients, minerals and vitamins, for example folic acid and vitamin B12. Numerous scientific studies have proven that B12 deficiencies and the diseases developed as their result are very frequently caused by distorted absorption, which, in turn, stems from an insufficient amount of hydrochloric acid in the stomach.

Hydrochloric acid works as a catalyst and activating pepsin (the enzyme necessary for protein digestion) out of pepsinogen. Reduced hydrochloric acid secretion disturbs the process of digestion in itself – but that is not all. It also leads to a reduction in pepsin levels, and the problem keeps getting worse.

Hydrochloric acid is a defence line of a sort, protecting the gastric environment from pathological bacteria and parasites that could permeate into it and from the overgrowth of fungi.

Hydrochloric acid helps to maintain normal intestinal microflora. Taking care of the right level of hydrochloric acid in the stomach is enough to keep the balance of the bacterial cultures. Tests have demonstrated that with normal pH in the stomach, there is an increase in the bacteria of Lactobacillus acidophilus that are beneficial for the organism.

Causes of insufficient hydrochloric acid production
There are many reasons of distorted hydrochloric acid secretion by gastric cells. Studies demonstrate that the ability of the organism to produce hydrochloric acid decreases with age. Other factors that have a negative effect on the organism’s ability to produce hydrochloric acid are stress, eating in a hurry, improper diet based on processed foods, as well as excessive use of the drugs that neutralise excess gastric juices or of the so-called proton pump inhibitors.

Symptoms of hydrochloric acid deficiency
Hydrochloric acid deficiency manifests itself primarily through digestion problems and ailments of the digestive system. The most frequent gastric problems that can occur are heartburn, gas, flatulence, reflux, burping after meals, bloating after eating.

Just as common, although rarely associated with the level of gastric juices, are: tiredness, skin problems, the feeling of drowsiness, increased symptoms of allergy and autoimmune diseases. The solution to the problem is supporting the natural production of hydrochloric acid with appropriate products safe for the organism.

To sum up, Betaine HCL Pepsin & Gentian Bitters is a complete formula that guarantees the efficacy of digestion and enhances the absorption of nutrients. The product helps to eliminate inconvenient gastric problems. Supplementation is a good idea particularly for people who follow high-protein diets or suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies (for example magnesium, vitamin B12) caused by distorted absorption.