Answer
Hydrochloric acid (HCL) is a very strong acid (pH 1-2) which is secreted by the parietal cells of the stomach.
In the stomach tis acid produces and maintains an acid stomach environment which is conducive to the following digestive and non-digestive functions:
(1). HCL acidifies gastric juice and denatures protein
(2). It converts the inactive proenzyme pepsinogen to the active enzyme pepsin. It also maintains the low pH environment ( pH 1-2)necessary for pepsin
to act enzymatically.
(3) HCL prevents infection, by killing microbes
(4) HCL promotes the absorption of iron and calcium
(5) It activates gastric lipase
(6) In addition it. promotes secretion of secretin which stimulates flow of bile and pancreatic juice.
For these reasons and others, it's necessary not to reduce stomach HCL concentration too low.
If ahydrochlorhydria--HCL deficiency--develops in the stomach, the following signs, symptoms, and syndromes may result;
(1) Stomach discomfort, bloating, bloating stomach ulcers.
HCL can damage the stomach wall but the mucus coating usually protects the stomach parenchyma. However, If there is not enough HCL (high pH)
to kill stomach microbes, bacteria like Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) might out of hand and damage stomach mucosa-- causing a gastric ulcer.
Ahydrchloria may also permit yeast proliferation in the stomach.
Other undesirable consequences of suppressing stomach HCL secretion too severely, include:
Osteoporosis (decreased calcium absorption); leg and foot cramps, and gall stones
Work Step by Step
Many people who take antacids and proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid may have signs of a deficiency of stomach HCL. Some not so uncommon manifestations of this condition are gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), diarrhea, frequent allergies, easy bleeding and thyroid malfunction.
