Having consistently poor digestion can produce numerous health problems, including nutrient malabsorption, digestive problems such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea, and vitamin deficiencies. One common reason for having long-term poor digestion can be insufficient secretion of hydrochloric acid and pancreatic enzymes due to factors such as aging, illness, and the overuse of antacids. Individuals who are likely to be low in hydrochloric acid and pancreatic enzyme secretion, and have malabsorption of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, should consider Multi Enzyme* Unlike many competitive digestive-support products, Thorne's Multi Enzyme offers pepsin that is undiluted and lactose-free. Multi Enzyme also provides undiluted pancreatin, which is essential to optimal digestion and the absorption of numerous nutrients, especially fats.* Thorne's lactose-free pancreatin has the highest potency and purity possible.*

Hydrochloric acid secretion in the stomach does several positive things. It assists protein digestion by activating pepsinogen to pepsin, it renders the stomach sterile against ingested pathogens, it inhibits undesirable overgrowth in the small intestine, and it encourages the flow of bile and pancreatic enzymes.* Hydrochloric acid also facilitates the absorption of a number of nutrients, including folate, vitamin B12, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, iron, and some forms of calcium, magnesium, and zinc.* Numerous studies show hydrochloric acid secretion in the stomach declines with advancing age. The overuse of antacid products can also lead to low levels of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which can further inhibit digestion.