What Is It? Betaine HCl and pepsin are naturally occurring gastric-juice components that render nutrients available for absorption and biological acitivity. Specifically, betaine HCl is an acidic form of betaine, which promotes optimal gastric lumen acidity and pepsin is a protein-digesting enzyme that catalyzes the splitting of peptide bonds.* Uses For Betaine HCl Pepsin Healthy Digestive Function: Betaine HCl and pepsin promote the solubilization of food particles and the healthy absorption and utilization of nutrients, including protein, calcium, vitamin B12, and iron. Contact with gastric juices causes protein and polysaccharide degradation, allowing them to become more accessible to the actions of the hydrolytic enzymes in the duodenum and jejunum. Furthermore, HCl contributes to the naturally acidic environment of the stomach necessary for healthy microbial balance.*