Betaine HCl provides a variety of health-supportive factors. Glutamic acid HCl, betaine HCl, and pepsin, a proteolytic enzyme, assist in protein digestion. Gentian root, an herbal bitter, promotes normal secretion of saliva and gastric acid for digestive support. HCl (hydrochloric acid) supports nutrient absorption and helps maintain a healthy gastric pH, which, in turn, supports healthy gastric ecology.*