Why is my stomach acid so important?

Your stomach acid is necessary for digestion.

The parietal cells of the stomach produce hydrochloric acid, the main constituent of stomach acid. Hydrochloric acid has a very low pH and is extremely effective in breaking down the food we eat. It is particularly vital for the breakdown of protein (it activates the enzyme pepsin for the breakdown of proteins), the effective absorption of vitamins and minerals from your food including vitamin B12, iron, calcium and magnesium, keeping pathogenic bacteria at bay and prompting the release of digestive enzymes and bile from the pancreas and gall bladder respectively.

Ali Cullen
Nutritional therapist