Betaine HCl and pepsin are naturally occurring gastric-juice components that render nutrients available for absorption and biological activity. Specifically, betaine HCl is an acidic form of betaine, which promotes optimal gastric lumen acidity  and  pepsin is a protein-digesting enzyme that catalyzes the splitting of  peptide bonds.Uses For Betaine HCl PepsinHealthy 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.Pure Encapsulations Betaine HCl is synthetic. Pepsin is porcine derived. Vitamin C  (ascorbyl  palmitate)  is  derived  from  corn  dextrose  fermentation  and  palm  oil. Hypo-allergenic plant fiber is derived from pine cellulose. Recommendations: Pure Encapsulations recommends 1 capsule with each meal.  If pregnant or lactating, consult your physician before taking this product. Large amounts of betaine HCl may cause stomach irritation. Individuals with a history of  peptic  ulcers,  gastritis,  or  gastrointestinal  symptoms  should  consult  their  physician before taking betaine HCl. People  taking  nonsteroidal  anti-inflammatory  drugs  (NSAIDs),  cortisone-like drugs,  or  other  medications  that  might  cause  a  peptic  ulcer  should  not  take betaine HCl. Consult with your physician for more information.Recommended Dosage: 1 capsule with each meal. Medicinal Ingredients: (per capsule): Betaine hydrochloride 520 mg, Pepsin (Sus scrofa - stomach) 21 mg / 210,000 FCC PU.Non-Medicinal Ingredients: Hypo-allergenic plant cellulose, Ascorbyl palmitate, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, Purified water.