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.