When people talk about digestive problems, many immediately think of too much stomach acid. But the opposite can also be true: If the stomach produces too little acid (achylia), digestive processes can be disrupted, proteins cannot be properly broken down, and nutrients are absorbed less effectively. Furthermore, pathogens can more easily reach the intestines. This leads to bloating, a feeling of fullness, or other discomfort.
What are the functions of stomach acid?
Stomach acid is produced by the lining of the stomach and fulfills several important functions.
It helps to:
- prepare ingested food for further digestion,
- break down proteins,
- make certain nutrients more readily available,
- and prepare food for further digestion.
Only when these initial digestive steps take place in the stomach can the nutrients be processed further down the digestive tract.
What can cause too little stomach acid?
The production of stomach acid can be influenced by various factors. Possible causes include:
- increasing age
- chronic inflammation of the stomach lining
- surgical procedures on the stomach
- long-term use of antacids
- persistent stress
What symptoms can occur?
Stomach acid is often mistakenly associated with negative side effects. In fact, the stomach acid produced by the stomach lining has the important task of breaking down food and absorbing all nutrients, such as trace elements and vitamins. Furthermore, the acidity kills most of the unwanted bacteria present in food.
A lack of stomach acid can manifest itself in various ways. Common symptoms include:
- a feeling of fullness after eating
- bloating
- pressure in the upper abdomen
- indigestion
- the feeling that meals are "sitting in the stomach" for a long time
Since these symptoms can also have other causes, persistent symptoms should always be investigated by a doctor.
What can help?
Citric Acid
Citric acid is a natural organic fruit acid found primarily in citrus fruits. Due to its acidic pH, it has been used in various preparations for many years. In the stomach, an acidic environment helps prepare food for further digestion and creates optimal conditions for the body's own digestive enzymes.
Tartaric Acid
Tartaric acid occurs naturally in grapes, among other things, and is also an organic fruit acid. Together with other acids, such as citric acid, it contributes to an acidic environment in the stomach. This is an important prerequisite for the initial stages of digestion to take place in the stomach.
Calcium Lactate
Calcium lactate is a highly water-soluble calcium compound frequently used in foods and dietary supplements. It is characterized by its good tolerability and serves as a calcium source in various formulations. Calcium itself is an important mineral for the human body and also for the digestive system.
Pepsin
Pepsin is one of the most important digestive enzymes in the stomach. It is produced by the body itself and is responsible for breaking down proteins from food. For pepsin to perform its function, it requires a sufficiently acidic environment in the stomach. Only under these conditions does the enzyme become active and begin digesting proteins.
Conclusion
Normal stomach acid production forms the basis for numerous digestive processes. Both too much and too little stomach acid can affect the digestive process.
Those who delve into this topic frequently encounter ingredients such as citric acid, tartaric acid, calcium lactate, or pepsin, which have been used in various preparations for many years.
