- Symptoms of HCL deficiency include: gas, bloating, iron deficiency anemia, allergies, osteoporosis, gallstones, acne, asthma, eczema, irritable bowel syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and urticaria. These symptoms may be a direct effect of HCL deficiency, or HCL deficiency may contribute to the problem. Low HCL levels may also lead to yeast, bacteria and parasites growing in the intestines.
- HCL supplements are most readily available as Betaine Hydrochloride tablets. It is manufactured by several different companies throughout the United States. HCL is also added to various other medications to aid in its digestion, and prevent breakdown in the stomach. HCL supplements are available in tablet or capsule form and should be taken before the ingestion of any meal, especially a meal heavy in fats and proteins. Taken either before, during or right after a meal, the HCL supplements help the stomach breakdown amino acids and fats into triglycerides and proteins into peptides so that they may be better utilized by the body.
- Over ingestion of HCL supplements can burn the lining of the stomach, if, after taking HCL supplements you should experience a burning sensation which feels like severe heartburn, you should stop taking HCL supplements immediately. Drinking whole milk or buttermilk to help buffer the stomach contents may help rectify the situation. There are no known drug interactions with HCL supplements, but there has not been a lot of research on drug interactions with these types of supplements.
- Hydrochloric acid is a highly caustic, poisonous clear liquid which in its pure form can eat through metal. An overdose can cause severe harm or even death. In no instance, should the liquid form of hydrochloric acid be ingested as a supplement, it can cause severe mouth and esophagus burns and death. HCL supplements should only be taken in tablet or capsule form, which contains buffers to prevent harm from occurring to the individual ingesting them.
- A lot of physicians do not recommend taking HCL supplements to aid in digestion, rather they recommend altering the diet to stimulate natural stomach acid production. As with any type of dietary supplements, you should ask the advice of your physician before starting such a program. Many physicians feel that the risks of adverse effects far outweigh the positive attributes of this type of supplement.
