HCL Breakthrough Plant-Based Betaine HCl +
5 Digestive Enzymes Blend

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A comprehensive digestive aid supplement with betaine HCl and 5 digestive enzymes to support stomach function.

Helps optimize stomach acid levels and digestion
May help improve absorption of nutrients that require stomach acid
May ease occasional bloating and digestive discomfort
Helps maintain healthy stomach acidity, which supports digestive conditions that favor a balanced gut environment
Helps maintain a healthy digestive enzyme balance
Helps digest proteins, fats, and carbohydrates for easier digestion and absorption
Supports healthy gut movements and digestive regularity
Targets the digestion of all macronutrients, making it a comprehensive digestive aid

Stomach Acid is an Essential Component of Digestion and Overall Gut Health

Occasional indigestion is estimated to impact up to 20% of the US population. While too much stomach acid can cause digestive discomfort for some people, low stomach acid is the more likely culprit. When there is not enough stomach acid to start the digestive process, activate digestive enzymes, and stimulate gut movement, food ends up sticking around in the stomach for too long. This can then cause uncomfortable indigestion and other digestive symptoms.

BIOptimizers HCL Breakthrough is designed to support digestion by improving stomach acidity and adding to the stomach’s digestive capacity with plant-based digestive enzymes that work well in acidic pH. This helps your body better digest food and absorb certain nutrients.

How to Know if You Have Low Stomach Acid

Low stomach acid can be difficult to recognize - signs can be very similar to having too much stomach acid.

Low stomach acid symptoms:

Occasional discomfort, indigestion, and bloating, especially after high-protein meals
Prolonged fullness or stomach sensation after eating, especially with high-protein or high-fat meals
Difficulty digesting meat and meat aversion
Suboptimal digestion, with partially digested foods in your stool
Deficiencies of nutrients that require stomach acid to absorb, such as vitamin B12, iron, calcium, zinc, and magnesium.
Fatigue after meals as the digestive process requires more energy

Certain conditions can cause low stomach acid, including alcohol use, surgeries, autoimmune conditions, infections, and medications. Low stomach acid is also more common in older adults. You should speak to your doctor to rule out serious causes.

Low Stomach Acid Test

There are a few reliable ways to test whether you have low stomach acid or not. A proper evaluation by a healthcare provider is the most reliable way to understand what’s going on. Testing options may include:

Aspiration test uses a tube inserted into the bottom of the stomach, and acid output can be measured over the course of an hour. Another way is by using a probe placed in the stomach that can collect data on gastric pH. These tests are invasive, and not readily available to most people.

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Blood tests may identify diagnosable serious causes of low stomach acid that require medical interventions. These include:

Anti-parietal cell antibodies can detect antibodies against acid-producing cells in your stomach.
Anti-intrinsic factor detect antibodies against intrinsic factor, which is necessary for vitamin B12 absorption.
Pepsinogen, a pro-enzyme produced in the stomach. Changes in ratios of pepsinogen can indicate inflammation of the stomach.
Stomach gastrin levels, a stomach hormone. Abnormal levels can indicate issues with the stomach.

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Nutrient status tests may identify nutrient deficiencies that often relate to low stomach acid

Complete blood count and iron panel, including ferritin, serum iron, transferrin, and total iron binding capacity, can diagnose an iron deficiency or iron deficiency anemia.
Vitamin B12 levels can diagnose a vitamin B12 deficiency. Stomach acid helps liberate vitamin B12 from foods in the stomach, so low stomach acid can cause a vitamin B12 deficiency..

Serum levels of magnesium, calcium, and zinc may not be indicative of the total body status of these minerals.

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Other diagnostic tests

Your doctor may want to rule out infections including:

Helicobacter pylori, which can decrease stomach acid
Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth, which often occurs with low stomach acid

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Baking soda tests are quick at-home tests that might also help you differentiate. It involves drinking a solution of ¼ teaspoon of baking soda and half a cup (120 mL) of water, which can estimate stomach acid based on how quickly you burp. People with adequate stomach acid should burp in 3 - 5 minutes as the baking soda reacts with stomach acid. However, it is not the most adequate test, especially because most of your stomach acid is secreted once food reaches the stomach.

Crucial Roles of
Stomach Acid

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Your stomach plays many key roles in helping your body digest, extract energy, and absorb nutrients from food. It does this by secreting stomach acid, more properly known as hydrochloric acid (HCl). HCl is made by parietal cells, which are embedded in the stomach lining. HCl secretion is stimulated when food enters the stomach, and it plays a critical role in your body’s digestive processes:

Assists in breaking down ingested food into chyme, a semi-liquid substance with semi-broken down foods. This helps prepare it for further digestion in other areas of the digestive tract.
Activates enzymes. The acidity helps convert inactive enzyme pepsinogen into its active form, pepsin, and prorenin into rennin. Pepsin is responsible for breaking down proteins into smaller snippets called peptides. Rennin helps with the digestion of milk protein, casein. Without enough HCl, protein digestion can be compromised and may lead to poor digestion.
Stimulates the release of gastrin, a hormone that helps regulate acid production and food movement through the stomach and intestines. Gastrin promotes muscle contractions in the stomach, which helps speed up gastric emptying.
Helps absorb many key nutrients – vitamin B12, iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc . The stomach acid dissociates, dissolves, and ionizes these nutrients into forms that the intestine can absorb. When stomach acid levels are low, nutrient absorption may be less efficient.
Creates inhabitable environment for microbes. By maintaining a naturally acidic environment (pH between 2.9 and 3.5), the stomach becomes inhabitable to most microorganisms found in foods.
Stimulates digestive secretions. Once food travels from the stomach to the lower intestine, the acidity also signals the release of other digestive secretions – bile, bicarbonate, and pancreatic enzymes. These are crucial for additional digestion and gut movement throughout the rest of the digestive process.
Promotes peristalsis - the rhythmic contraction and relaxation of muscles in the digestive tract that help move food along. It does this by activating a mechanism called the enterogastric reflex, a response that helps regulate the movement of food through the digestive tract . This reflex helps coordinate peristaltic waves by signaling to the intestines to contract as food is absorbed.

Given stomach acid’s crucial natural roles, suboptimal stomach acid can have ripple effects throughout the digestive tract and the body.

How HCL Breakthrough Ingredients Synergize Together for the Best Results

Betaine hydrochloride, the all-star ingredient in HCl Breakthrough, is a form of betaine, a B vitamin-like substance, that releases hydrochloric acid once it dissolves in water. It increases stomach acidity in those with low stomach acid, lowering the pH of the stomach towards a more acidic environment for short periods of time . This makes it an ideal ingredient for those who struggle with post-meal digestive discomfort due to suboptimal stomach acid.

For individuals who may not produce optimal levels of stomach acid, Betaine HCl can help support digestion by promoting a more acidic gastric environment. Having enough stomach acid is key to digestion, nutrient absorption, and healthy gut microbial balance

Proteases are a small group of enzymes that work to break down proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids for better absorption. Studies show that protease supplementation is able to enhance protein digestion and absorption. One study in 24 healthy adults given protease in combination with a high protein meal found that those who took proteases had significantly higher total amino acid levels over a 5-hour period compared to the placebo group .

The proteases in HCl Breakthrough are from plant-based sources, unlike several digestive products that use porcine or bovine pepsin. Protease 3.0, combined with betaine HCl, improves overall protein digestion in the stomach. Whereas, protease 4.5 is ideal for protein digestion in those with suboptimal stomach acidity.

Amylase is a digestive enzyme that helps break down carbohydrates, especially starches . Starches are long molecules that can be difficult for the body to break down, and amylase helps break them down into simpler sugars that your body can readily take up.

One study examined amylase supplementation in combination with probiotics and found that those who took it experienced a reduction in occasional bloating and digestive discomfort and the degree to which digestive symptoms impacted quality of life .

We included amylase in our formula to help optimize digestion in combination with betaine HCl, to help improve carbohydrate digestion and possibly symptoms like occasional bloating that can happen when starches are not completely broken down.

Lipase is a key enzyme required to break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. Studies find that taking a lipase supplement prior to a high-fat meal can help reduce feelings of fullness .

In combination with Betaine HCl, lipase helps promote the breakdown and absorption of dietary fats, which might mitigate occasional digestive discomfort from a high-fat meal.

Cellulase is a digestive enzyme that helps your body break down cellulose, a component in plant cell walls. Humans normally do not have the ability to break down cellulose, which may contribute to occasional bloating, gas, or stomach discomfort when eating high-fiber foods like vegetables and whole grains. Cellulase supplementation might make it easier for your body to process these high-fiber foods, and better absorb nutrients from plant-based products.

Trace minerals such as zinc, copper, magnesium, and molybdenum work as cofactors in several metabolic and digestive enzymes. By providing a small amount of trace minerals, HCL Breakthrough can help ensure optimal digestive enzyme functions.

HCL Breakthrough is not just any betaine HCl supplement. It’s a comprehensive blend of betaine HCl, five digestive enzymes, and a trace mineral blend that provides enzyme cofactors. This makes it a comprehensive stomach function support.

Betaine HCl helps promote the key acidic environment to kickstart the digestive process while improving the digestion of all macronutrients. This enhances overall digestion and absorption and digestive wellness commonly linked to suboptimal stomach acid.

Begin by taking one capsule with a protein-containing meal. If no discomfort or burning occurs, you can increase the dose to two capsules with your next protein-containing meal. If tolerated, you can continue using this dose as needed.

As with any supplement, the appropriate amount may vary depending on individual digestive needs. If you notice any warmth or digestive discomfort, consider reducing your intake. Over time, some individuals find they need less as their digestion improves .

It is important to avoid taking HCL Breakthrough on an empty stomach or if you have any contraindications listed below. Without food to break down, the enzymes in the supplement can cause nausea or stomach discomfort. Therefore, it is best taken within the first few bites of food, or within 30 minutes of eating a meal.

HCL Breakthrough Side Effects and Contraindications

While most people tolerate digestive enzyme supplements with betaine HCl, there are some potential side effects to watch out for. If they occur, it is recommended to reduce the dose or discontinue the product. Possible side effects include:

Stomach irritation
Burning sensation
Nausea
Blood sugar changes
Gas

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If you have any of the following conditions, it is recommended to avoid this supplement or speak with your healthcare provider to determine if it is right for you:

Diagnosed GERD or acid reflux
Peptic ulcers or duodenal ulcers
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Protein allergies
Any medical conditions

The product may interact with certain medications, including proton pump inhibitors, antacids, insulin, or other diabetes medications. So, you should always speak to your healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen, especially if you have any medical conditions.

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HCL Breakthrough vs Competitor Betaine HCl Products

BIOptimizers is a, first and foremost, digestive health company. HCL Breakthrough was formulated to support stomach function and overall digestive health where it relates to stomach acidity. HCL Breakthrough also provides key cofactors in the trace mineral blend that support enzymatic activity. This product is also 100% plant-based, making it suitable for those with special diets or allergies to specific animal enzymes. The enzymes in HCL Breakthrough are listed based on enzymatic activity measures, not by ingredient weight, to ensure consistent activity levels through every batch. It’s produced in a cGMP-compliant and FDA-inspected facility with third-party testing on each ingredient. Lastly, we optimized the formulation through thousands of tests in our enzymology lab in Sarajevo, Bosnia for purity and potency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Unlike many other betaine HCl supplements, HCL Breakthrough does not include additional pepsin. Pepsin is a digestive enzyme naturally produced in the stomach of mammals, where it helps break down proteins into smaller peptides for easier absorption. It’s naturally secreted as pepsinogen before the stomach acid activates it into pepsin.

The pepsin used in supplements typically comes from animal sources, such as pigs or cows. This can be a concern for individuals allergic to pork or beef, or those with dietary restrictions that prohibit these animal products.

While pepsin plays an essential role in protein digestion, its function is meant to occur within the stomach's acidic environment. For individuals with acid reflux, studies show that pepsin is the main cause of damage to the esophagus rather than stomach acid.

While HCL Breakthrough is not developed specifically for those with acid reflux, we excluded pepsin from the formula to avoid doing harm. Instead, we focus on promoting optimal stomach acid levels and enzyme function with plant-based HCl and proteases that do not carry the same risk.

It is recommended to keep contents within the capsule. This is because the capsules are designed to act within the stomach. If capsules are broken and the contents are mixed into food or drink, the enzymes within the capsules can begin working too soon. HCl is very acidic, and this can be bad for tooth enamel. The contents also do not taste great!

Betaine HCl may support low stomach acidity releasing hydrogen ions when dissolved in water or stomach fluid, which increases the acidity of the stomach. Acidity is measured in the pH scale, with lower numbers meaning higher acidity.

Studies find that betaine HCl can lower the stomach’s pH to around 1.41, which is highly acidic . This value mimics the natural stomach pH in those who don’t have lower stomach acid. This can help restore the proper acidic environment needed for digestion.

The trace minerals included in HCl Breakthrough are a proprietary blend and are included in very small amounts. They come from clinoptilolite and zeolite, which act as binders and provide some cofactors to the digestive enzymes. The amount contained is very small.

There are a few things that can cause low stomach acid. HCL Breakthrough does not treat, prevent, or diagnose serious causes of low stomach acid. It’s best to consult your doctor to rule out any serious causes before making any changes to your diet and supplement regimens.

Aging! Stomach acid production tends to decline naturally as we get older . This is one of the big reasons why certain nutrient deficiencies, like vitamin B12 and iron, are more common in older populations. These nutrients require enough stomach acid for proper absorption.
Poor eating habits like eating in a hurry or while stressed, which diverts blood flow and resources away from digestion . It’s best to eat your meal relaxed and slowly to allow your rest and digest nervous system to do its job. Chewing, anticipating your food, and being relaxed stimulate natural stomach acid production. That said, life is not perfect—if you sometimes have to rush your meals or eat something while stressed, it’s a good idea to add digestive support like HCl Breakthrough and MassZymes.
Medications, like antacids and proton pump inhibitors, are designed to decrease stomach acid . While extremely helpful when medically indicated, prolonged use or overuse can impact the stomach’s ability to produce enough acid over time.
Various nutrient deficiencies, especially zinc, can impact the body’s ability to make hydrochloric acid. Zinc is a critical component in the acid production process .
Serious medical conditions can also be the culprit. H.pylori infection can disrupt the integrity of the stomach lining, lowering acid levels, since the bacteria need to neutralize the stomach acid to survive. Autoimmune conditions, like autoimmune gastritis, attack cells in the stomach responsible for making stomach acid, and can also cause low stomach acid. HCL Breakthrough does not help with these conditions, so you should speak to your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Where to Buy HCL Breakthrough

HCL Breakthrough is available through BIOptimizers.com, Amazon, and over 140 health food stores nationwide. To find a store near you, use our store locator.

Full-spectrum digestive enzyme blend
Helps restore healthy stomach acid levels
Improves mineral, vitamin B12, and amino acid absorption
Better digestion, gut movement, and detoxification
Relieves bloating, gas, belching, indigestion, post-meal fatigue, and stomach heaviness or discomfort after meals
Improves exercise recovery and muscle growth with better protein digestion (when combined with the right diet and training)
Promotes healthy function of the valve between esophagus and stomach, which may help with acid reflux and heartburn
Promotes healthy stomach acid protection against food-borne infections

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Full-spectrum digestive enzyme blend
Helps restore healthy stomach acid levels
Improves mineral, vitamin B12, and amino acid absorption
Better digestion, gut movement, and detoxification
Relieves bloating, gas, belching, indigestion, post-meal fatigue, and stomach heaviness or discomfort after meals
Improves exercise recovery and muscle growth with better protein digestion (when combined with the right diet and training)
Promotes healthy function of the valve between esophagus and stomach, which may help with acid reflux and heartburn
Promotes healthy stomach acid protection against food-borne infections