Betaine HCL , a non-essential nutrient, is the naturally occurring hydrochloric acid that breaks down fats and proteins in the stomach, is required for the proper absorption of protein, calcium, vitamin B12, and iron.
The low PH of the stomach’s hydrochloric acid allows it to digest any bacteria and micro-organisms that might have been ingested.
Betaine HCL, naturally produced in the parietal cells of the stomach, is not found in food.