Expert: Dr. Leo Nollet - 5/6/2005

Question
Hi Dr. Nollet:

Do you know what the following terminology mean in betaine products?

What's the difference between them?

Most of the products that I have seen have both betaine HCL and pepsin, but wonder how the amount of pepsin in these products affects in the digestion process.

Pepsin X:Y.

What does the x and y number mean in both products? And the NF?

Product 1
-----------
Pepsin 1: 3000


Product 2
-----------
Pepsin Nf (1:10,000)

Both products have the same amount of betaine HCL (650 mg), but they have different pepsin contents and wonder what the pepsin terminology means.

When I was taking product 1 I noticed tremendous benefits in my bowel movements, but, when I switched to product 2, I didn't notice anything.

Thanks a lot for your help,
Roberto

Answer
Dear Roberto,
Sorry for the late answer. I forgot to click on 'send'.
NF = National Formulary
1:3000 = Pepsin that digests not less than 3000 of its own weight of coagulated egg albumin and not more than 3500.
Why product 1 is working and not product 2 I don't know.