Betaine hydrochloride increases hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach to improve digestion, while fenugreek helps soothe and protect the stomach lining. Low stomach acidity is more common with age and can be associated with several health problems. The combination of betaine HCl and fenugreek can help stimulate digestion and soothe the digestive tract.
HCl aids in protein digestion by activating pepsinogen to pepsin, helping to inactivate orally ingested pathogens, preventing bacterial or fungal overgrowth in the small intestine, encouraging the flow of bile and pancreatic enzymes, and facilitating the absorption of several nutrients, including vitamin B12, ascorbic acid, calcium, iron, and magnesium. However, maldigestion can occur in the absence of adequate HCl, leading to bloating, belching, indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation. Numerous studies have shown that acid secretion decreases with age, and deficient HCl production and secretion are correlated with a variety of clinical conditions. Although the underlying etiological factors leading to impaired or absent HCl secretion are not well understood, long-term supplementation is generally safe and may be effective in certain patient populations and clinical conditions. Combining betaine hydrochloride with fenugreek further supports digestive function and health, as fenugreek seeds are an excellent source of mucilage, which may help relieve gastrointestinal inflammation by coating the stomach and intestinal wall.