Low Stomach Acid: The Hidden Reason Behind Low B12, Iron & Haemoglobin

Most people assume “more acid = bad”, but here’s the truth:

Havingtoo littlestomach acid can quietly mess up your digestion, nutrient absorption, and even your energy levels.

Let’s break it down 👇

🔬 What Exactly Is Low Stomach Acid?

Your stomach naturally produces hydrochloric acid (HCl) — a powerful acid that helps:

• Break down proteins

• Activate digestive enzymes (like pepsin)

• Absorb key nutrients such as iron, B12, calcium, and zinc

• Kill harmful bacteria and pathogens from food

When HCl levels drop — a condition called hypochlorhydria — food doesn’t break down properly.

That leads to bloating, burping, indigestion, and over time...nutrient deficiencies.

💉 How Low Stomach Acid Affects B12, Iron & Haemoglobin

1️⃣ Vitamin B12 Deficiency

• B12 from food is bound to proteins.

• Stomach acid + pepsin are needed to release B12 so it can bind with intrinsic factor (a protein made in the stomach).

• With low HCl, this process is disrupted → your body simply can’t absorb enough B12.

• Result: fatigue, brain fog, tingling in hands/feet, mood swings.

2️⃣ Iron Deficiency (and Low Haemoglobin)

• The iron found in plant foods (non-heme iron) needs an acidic environment to convert into a usable form.

• When acid is low → iron stays in a form your body can’t absorb well.

• Over time, this leads to iron deficiency anaemia, reflected as low haemoglobin levels on your blood test.

So even if you’re eating spinach, lentils, or taking iron supplements — without enough stomach acid, it won’t be absorbed efficiently.

🧪 Tests to Check for Low Stomach Acid

Here are some ways (ranging from clinical to home-based):

1️⃣ Heidelberg Test (Gold Standard)

A capsule with a pH sensor measures acidity in your stomach in real time.

→ Done in medical settings but rarely available in India.

2️⃣ Gastrin Blood Test

Gastrin is a hormone that rises when stomach acid is low.

→ High gastrin = low acid production.

3️⃣ Serum B12, Iron, Ferritin & Haemoglobin Tests

These aren’t direct tests for low acid, but if these nutrients are consistently low despite good diet, it’s a red flag for poor stomach acid or absorption.

4️⃣ Betaine HCl Challenge Test (Functional Approach)

A supervised test where you take a capsule of Betaine HCl before a meal.

• If you feel warmth or burning → you likely have enough acid.

• If you feel nothing → you might be low.

  
  

  (Should always be done cautiously and discontinued if discomfort occurs.)

💊 How to Improve Low Stomach Acid Naturally

🌿 1. Support Digestion Before Meals

• Have 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice in warm water 10–15 mins before meals.

• Chew food slowly; digestion begins in your mouth.

🧂 2. Add Minerals

• Zinc, chloride, and sodium help in stomach acid production.

• A balanced diet with rock salt, soaked nuts, seeds, and whole grains helps replenish these.

🧘 3. Reduce Stress While Eating

Stress directly suppresses stomach acid production.

→ Take deep breaths before eating, avoid screens, and eat in a calm state.

💊 4. Supplementation (if needed)

• Betaine HCl with Pepsin — under guidance only.

• Digestive bitters or enzymes can support temporarily.

• Treat H. pylori infection if present, since it suppresses acid production.

🥦 5. Heal the Gut

If low acid has led to inflammation or gastritis, soothe the stomach lining first using:

• Aloe vera juice

• Slippery elm

• Bone broth or light soups

🩺 When to Seek Professional Help

If you experience:

• Constant burning or heartburn

• Nausea after eating

• Bloating, gas, or fatigue after meals

• Repeated low B12/iron reports

…get tested and work with a practitioner who understands functional digestion, not just symptom management.

✨ Final Takeaway

Low stomach acid often hides behind “acid reflux” or “indigestion” labels — but it’s a root cause of why so many people, especially women, struggle with low B12, low iron, and low energy despite eating healthy.

Balancing your stomach acid is one of the simplest, most underrated steps toward better nutrient absorption and vitality.

Dm gut to start your healing journey with me.