Although vitamin B12 can be obtained from the diet, deficiency is not uncommon, particularly among older individuals. Supplementation with methylcobalamin is indicated in such cases. This active molecule is also recommended for vegetarians and vegans, because foods that contain it are often animal-source, such as offal and seafood. Dietary supplements may, therefore, be necessary for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Given the crucial roles vitamin B12 plays in the body, it’s essential to ensure an adequate intake of this vitamin, particularly as a shortfall may result in insufficient production of haemoglobin which is vital for transporting oxygen to red blood cells. If this is not addressed, it can lead to anaemia which is characterised by abnormally low levels of haemoglobin. In vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia, red blood cells are usually bigger than healthy ones. Generally known as macrocytes, these larger red blood cells do not permit adequate oxygen transport, resulting in poor oxygenation of the body. This manifests in various symptoms such as pale skin, a rapid heart rate, severe fatigue, breathing difficulties and headaches. Vitamin B12 supplementation may thus be necessary to prevent deficiency or combat the symptoms of anaemia.

Betaine HCl should be taken before meals in order to prepare the stomach and facilitate digestion. Take care to chew food properly during the supplementation period. If you’re not sure whether your acidity levels are adequate, you can follow these steps:

1. Start by taking a tablet of Betaine HCl just before a protein-rich meal.
2. If you experience some gastric discomfort, you probably do not have a problem producing hydrochloric acid in your stomach. If you feel no such undesirable effect, take two tablets with each protein-containing meal. A dose of two tablets of Betaine HCl delivers the equivalent of 10 mmol of H+ ions, that’s a pH of 1.40 in 250 ml of water.
3. If you feel no discomfort over the next few days, keep taking this dose. The symptoms associated with low gastric acid production should soon diminish.
4. When eating lighter meals, adapt the dose.

Betaine HCl can be combined with other supplements available to buy at Supersmart, such as this one for combatting Helicobacter pylori, H. Pylori Fight, if you suspect the presence of this bacteria in your stomach. To maximise protein absorption, it’s also a good idea to supplement with organic aloe vera. Lastly, in order to boost your gut flora – which may have been destabilised by the bacterial proliferation enabled by low gastric acidity - it can be really helpful to add in the excellent probiotic Probio Forte. In terms of phytotherapy, peppermint and gentian are also recognised for their ability to stimulate secretion of hydrochloric acid.

You may also be interested in other vitamin supplements such as Triple C, our complete vitamin C formulation, and Daily 6®, our latest-generation multivitamin supplement, available to buy at Supersmart.

Hydrochloric acid supplements are not recommended for those suffering from ulcers, nor should they be taken by pregnant women experiencing problems with stomach acid, or those taking antihistamines (H2) or proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole or other generic forms.

The tablets should not be crushed into food. Alcohol should be avoided. Consult a health professional before supplementing if you are taking anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, NSAIDs, aspirin or ibuprofen.

Betaine hydrochloride is a supplement that’s been used for more than a century for naturally restoring gastric acidity and supporting digestion. Betaine is a completely natural, safe substance (10), found in a wide variety of foods such as beetroot, spinach and whole grains. It offers a range of additional benefits:

• It helps maintain the body’s water and salt levels.
• It protects cells and their constituents from environmental stress.
• It helps protect the liver from hepatotoxins such as ethanol or carbon tetrachloride.
• It has a beneficial effect on hepatic steatosis (fatty liver), painful gallstones and hyperglycaemia.
• It helps improve brain activity, primarily as a result of its role in the methionine cycle.
• It enhances physical and athletic performance, due mainly to its ability to increase the body’s levels of nitric oxide.

Buy Betaine HCl to compensate for the decline in gastric acidity.