The symptoms of too much acid and too little stomach acid are nearly identical.

Many people on prescription and OTH antacids actually have low stomach acid, hence taking these drugs makes the problem worse.

The normal stomach contains hydrochloric acid, pepsin, mucin and the intrinsic factor. The hydrochloric acid and pepsin initiate digestion and the mucin coats the wall of the stomach.

"Stomach acid helps pepsin break down proteins such as meats, cheeses, fish, and other foods into amino acids. Your body uses the amino acids to build and repair all of your internal protein structures including muscles, hair and fingernails. If the stomach does not produce enough hydrochloric acid, then it also does not produce enough pepsin and intrinsic factor (the substance necessary for vitamin B12 absorption). Many essential nutrients including B12, iron, calcium, zinc, folic acid, and vitamin C are all Stomach Acid Analysis
poorly absorbed when stomach acid is low. Overall, nutrients from food are under-digested and eventually mal-absorbed by individuals with poor stomach function. The consequences of this mal-absorption are monumental."

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