Betaine and pepsin: naturally occurring component of the gastric juice

Betaine and pepsin are essential for the digestion of food and the absorption of most nutrients. Betaine in particular is needed for the absorption of proteins, calcium, vitamin B12 and iron.

Betaine in the form of hydrochloride (betaine HCl)

The betaine in this dietary supplement by Fairvital is present as betaine hydrochloride. Betaine HCl is an acidic form of betaine, which is able to contribute to an optimal acidity level of the gastric juice. The compound is a derivative of the nutrient choline, which means that choline is a precursor of betaine and has to be present in order for the body to synthesise betaine. Betaine is formed from choline and the amino acid glycine. Just like some B vitamins, including folic acid and vitamin B12, betaine is regarded as a so-called methyl donor.

Betaine affects the fat metabolism

Betaine, as well as methionine, choline and inositol, belongs to the lipotropic (fat attracting) substances. It is able to break down homocysteine and protect blood vessels, nerves and the liver. It promotes the fat breakdown in the liver.

Foods containing betaine

Natural sources rich in betaine are spinach, which contains approx. 550 milligrams of betaine per 100 grams, and beetroot, which contains pickled 220 to 260 milligrams and raw 130 milligrams. Frozen spinach merely contains about 110 milligrams betaine. Rye flour (150 milligrams per 100 grams) as well as products thereof are also suitable for the betaine supply.

Digestive enzyme pepsin

The enzyme gained popularity by the well-known “Pepsi cola”, which Caleb Bradham made from pepsin and cola nuts. Pepsin is responsible for the digestion of proteins. With the help of pepsin, proteins are broken down in smaller units (amino acids), which can easily absorbed by the intestines. In case this transformation doesn’t take place, fermentation and the formation of organic acids can occur in the intestines.
Since pepsin is the most effective in an acidic environment, to be specific at a pH value of 1-4, the human stomach has the best conditions.

Advantages of betaine + pepsin tablets

• support a healthy digestive system
• promote the absorption of proteins, calcium, vitamin B12 and iron
• contribute to normal homocysteine metabolism
• gluten-free, lactose-free, fructose-free
• without magnesium stearate and silicon dioxide
• 90 tablets for 1 month