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What are HCL supplements, and should you take them? If you have low stomach acid, taking an HCL supplement that also contains pepsin can be very helpful, especially if you seem to struggle with digesting protein. HCL with pepsin can be taken on a regular basis to help heal your GI tract, reduce symptoms like acid reflux and overall support digestive health.
Betaine hydrochloride is one type of supplement that can be a source of hydrochloric acid for people who have low stomach acid production (hypochlorhydria). While this supplement can be hugely beneficial for many people, it shouldn’t be taken by people with active ulcers or who are taking steroids, pain medications, or anti-inflammatory drugs. HCL supplements are also not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
- • It’s best to start using HCL supplements while you’re under the care of a physician. Once you and your doctor determine how you react to HCL supplements, you can adjust your dosage accordingly.
- • Most people can benefit from taking HCL with pepsin in doses of one 650-milligram pill prior to each meal. You can add additional pills as necessary to keep uncomfortable symptoms at bay.
- • Start with a low dose, usually about one capsule with your biggest meal of the day. HCL with pepsin is most beneficial when you take it before eating a meal that contains protein.
- • The ideal dosage of HCL varies a lot from person to person. Some people need only one capsule per day to feel better, while others may need to take much higher doses (up to six or nine capsules per day) for their symptoms to really improve. If you experience a feeling of warmness in your stomach after supplementing with HCL, this means you’re taking enough and may even need to decrease your dosage.
- • Ideally, you will not need to take HCL supplements for an extended period of time, since hopefully your body adjusts and begins to produce the right amount. If your symptoms improve within several weeks or months, consider lowering your dose gradually as you wean yourself off.
One thing to note is that hydrochloric acid is not the same thing as hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid (also called hyaluronan) is an acid that mostly benefits skin and joint health. It’s a clear substance that’s produced by the body naturally and found in the greatest concentrations in the skin, joints, eye sockets and in other tissues. It can be found in pricey anti-aging skin serums, joint-supporting formulas, cold sore treatments, eye drops and lip balms. Because HA is involved in slowing down collagen loss and reducing fluid or water loss, it helps improve joint lubrication, reduce pain, and treat various problems of the eyes and mouth. *
