Expert: Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C. - 5/6/2005

Question
Hi Dr. O'Brien:

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
Hello Roberto,


  HCL contains Betaine and glutamic HCL which help acidify the gastric contents, creating a favorable  enviroment for the proteolytic action of pepsin.

  Pepsin initiates  protein digestion after a meal, facilitating the complete digestion and absorption of this important macronutrient.

  Common dose of pepsin per capsule is 1:3000 stick with that one!

Keep eating healthy!

Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.