What is hypochlorhydria?

Hypochlorhydria is the medical term for a low level of stomach acid. People with hypochlorhydria may experience digestive issues, nutritional deficiencies, and gastrointestinal infections, but prompt treatment can prevent serious complications.

An individual with hypochlorhydria is unable to produce enough hydrochloric acid (HCL) in the stomach.

Stomach acid, along with several enzymes, helps to break down food. Other functions of this acid include:

• aiding the body in absorbing certain nutrients, such as protein and vitamin B-12
• killing bacteria and other pathogens in the stomach to prevent infection

In this article, we describe the symptoms and causes of hypochlorhydria. We also explore the treatment options.

Causes

Common causes of hypochlorhydria include:

Age

The stomach can produce less acid as a result of aging.

According to a 2013 review, hypochlorhydria is the main change in the stomach of older adults. People over the age of 65 have the highest risk.

Stress

While everyday stress may not have much effect on the production of stomach acid, chronic stress can contribute to hypochlorhydria.

Medications

Long-term use of antacids or other medications for acid reflux or heartburn may decrease the body's production of stomach acid.

Doctors often prescribe medications called proton pump inhibitors to treat acid reflux, and these can cause hypochlorhydria.

Bacterial infection

Over 50 percent of people worldwide are infected with a bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This infection can contribute to low levels of stomach acid and gastric ulcers.

Zinc deficiency

Zinc is necessary for the production of stomach acid. A lack of this mineral can contribute to hypochlorhydria.

Stomach surgery

Some surgical procedures, including gastric bypass surgery, can reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces.

Symptoms

Symptoms of hypochlorhydria can include:

• bloating
• burping
• diarrhea
• gas
• hair loss
• heartburn
• intestinal infections
• nausea while taking supplements
• nutrient deficiencies, including deficiencies in iron and vitamin B-12
• undigested food in the stool
• upset stomach
• weak fingernails

There is also a link between hypochlorhydria and several other medical issues, such as:

• allergies
• anemia
• asthma
• autoimmune disorders
• skin problems, including acne and psoriasis

Risk factors

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing hypochlorhydria, such as:

• taking medications to reduce the production of stomach acid
• being 65 or older
• having high levels of stress on an ongoing basis
• eating a diet that lacks zinc or having poor zinc absorption
• having an H. pylori infection
• having undergone stomach surgery

Diagnosis

To diagnose hypochlorhydria, a doctor will typically take a person's medical history and perform a physical exam.

They can also test the acidity of the stomach with a small capsule that contains a transmitter. The person swallows the capsule, and the transmitter reports the amount of acid in the gastrointestinal tract.

Doctors measure acidity using the pH scale. A pH value of 3–5 suggests hypochlorhydria, while a pH level of less than 3 indicates normal levels of stomach acid.

If the pH value is greater than 5, this suggests an almost complete absence of stomach acid, which is termed achlorhydria.

If the results show hypochlorhydria or achlorhydria, the doctor may take blood tests to check for a deficiency in iron or other nutrients.

A doctor may prescribe HCL supplements to confirm a diagnosis. If a person feels better when taking the supplements, low stomach acid is likely the cause of symptoms.

Source: Medical News Today