Betaine HCL is a natural source, beet derived betaine hydrochloric acid. Betaine hydrochloride is also known as hydrochloric acid (HCL) or stomach acid. It helps digest food by breaking up fats and proteins. The low pH of the stomach's hydrochloric acid also destroys ingested bacteria and other microorganisms. Adequate levels of HCL are necessary for adequate absorption of protein, calcium, vitamin B12 and iron. Healthy stomach acid is needed for a healthy digestive tract. If you have low stomach acid, even the best food cannot be properly digested. If you are unable to absorb nutrients properly, this can lead to terrible health problems. Healthy stomach acid helps kill disease-causing microbes and parasites routinely found in the food you eat. If you have low stomach acid, these infecting invaders may not be destroyed by your stomachs acid bath. They can then cause many types of infections. Now you can see why low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) is associated with so many common health problems. If these infections are not cleared, over time they can cause many symptoms, paving the way for full-blown disease. Low stomach acid can also cause indigestion. Believe it or not, too little stomach acid is the most common cause of an acid stomach, not excess acid. Some people take antacids to relieve the uncomfortable acid feeling in their stomachs (common after eating high protein or high fat meals). But the vast majority of those with an acid stomach suffer from not enough acid. They simply can not digest what they have eaten. For some, an antacid may temporarily relieve a queasy stomach, but in the long run, regular use of antacids make the problem worse. Betaine HCL assists the body's natural stomach acids in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, especially protein, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, and B-12. Ingredients: Each Vcap contains: Betaine Hydrochloric Acid (beet-derived) 550mg Other Ingredients: 100% solvent-free, excipient-free vegetable capsules. No binders, glues or other toxic tagalongs as found in tablets and gelatin capsules. Contains NO: magnesium stearate, corn, milk, soy, salt, sugar, wheat, yeast, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Recommended Use: Adults: take 1 Vcap after each meal daily, especially cooked meals. May be used in between meals also.