Question

What is the role of acid in our stomach

Answer 1

Hydrochloric acid is secreted by the parietal cells present in stomach and it serves the following functions:

• The pH of gastric acid is normally around 1.5-3.5; as a result, stomach is the most acidic area in our body due to presence of hydrochloric acid.
• Hydrochloric acid denatures proteins by basically cleaving the bonds and �melting� the proteins. Hydrochloric acid also activates pepsin, via its conversion from a substance called pepsinogen. The function of Pepsin is to mainly digest the protein we eat.
• HCl acts as an antiseptic in the stomach too, by killing the microorganisms that exist in the food we eat. Hydrochloric acid also assists in the prevention of food fermentation which may occur in the dark, moist environment of the stomach. This hence prevents food-poisoning and occurrence of yeast, bacterial, viral, parasitic, and protozoa infections.
• HCl is also essential in the breakdown of various vital nutrients. It allows for the digestion and absorption of the trace minerals zinc, iron, copper, magnesium, calcium, selenium, and vitamins B12 and vitamin B3.