Description

Clinical Applications

• Provides Hydrochloric Acid to Help Maintain Gastric pH*

• Contains Factors to Promote Healthy Digestion, Especially of

Dietary Protein*

• Supports Absorption of Certain Macro- and Micronutrients*

• Helps Maintain Normal Gastric Flora*

Directions

Take one capsule with or immediately following

meals, or as directed by your healthcare

professional.

Consult your healthcare professional prior to use.

Individuals taking medication should discuss

potential interactions with their healthcare

professional. Do not use if tamper seal is damaged.

Cautions

Do not use if there is a current complaint of a peptic or duodenal ulcer.

Discussion

Gastrex is designed to support the gastric phase of digestion directly and provide stimulus for the excretion of

pancreatic digestive juices in the small intestine. Adequate hydrochloric acid is fundamental to healthy protein

digestion, nutrient availability, and the maintenance of normal gastric flora.[1-3] There is a natural decline in

the ability to produce hydrochloric acid, especially after the age of 60.[1] There appears to be an even greater

decline in pepsin production related to normal aging.[4] Support of natural gastric secretions and acidity helps

support normal digestion, absorption, and immune health.[5] Maintaining an acidic pH in the stomach helps

support normal gastric and intestinal flora as well.*[6-8]

L- Glutamic Acid This amino acid can be obtained from dietary protein or synthesized endogenously from

other amino acids, such as glutamine. L- glutamic acid is used in Gastrex as an acidifying agent.*

Betaine Hydrochloride (HCl) Betaine (also known as trimethylglycine) is a natural substance found in foods

such as beets, spinach, and grains. Research suggests that betaine supports cell health by acting as a methyl

donor, and this, in turn, supports healthy methionine, homocysteine, and hepatic fat metabolism. Betaine also

functions as an osmolyte, which supports the integrity of cells and proteins during fluctuations in hydration,

salinity, and temperature. Betaine HCl, the acidic form of betaine, has traditionally been used to support

digestion and absorption due to its ability to lower gastric pH.*[9,10]

Pepsin One of the first enzymes to initiate protein digestion, pepsin is first synthesized in the parietal cells of

the gastric mucosa and secreted as the inactive zymogen precursor pepsinogen. Hydrochloric acid activates

pepsinogen to convert it to pepsin once it is outside the cell. This activation sets up a chain reaction leading to

the production of still more pepsin. Porcine pepsin, in addition to betaine HCl, is provided in Gastrex with the

goal of promoting more endogenous pepsin production.*[4,6]

Gentian Root (Gentiana lutea) Used for centuries to support healthy digestion, gentian contains the bitter

glycosides gentiopicrin and amarogentin. Gentian’s bitter taste can be detected even at a dilution level of

50,000:1. Gentian root appears to support digestion by stimulating secretion of saliva in the mouth, hydrochloric

acid in the stomach, and digestive juices from the pancreas. Due to the stimulant effect that gentian root has

on endogenous production of HCl, individuals may be able to discontinue Gastrex after a period of use.*[11-14]

Gastrex is formulated with a variety of compounds and is designed to support gastric acidity, digestion, and

normal gastrointestinal flora. Gastrex should be taken with, or immediately following a meal. Do not use if there

is a prior history of, or a current complaint of, a peptic or duodenal ulcer.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.