Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 4 of 12 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

HCl Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Loomis Enzymes

Capsule Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Minor
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Minor

HCl is a dietary supplement by Loomis Enzymes with 12 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria), bloating and gas, indigestion.Based on those ingredients, 36 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated minor. The ingredients most likely to interact are Betaine Hydrochloride. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of HCl by Loomis Enzymes

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 12 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Enzyme Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (274 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains 12 active ingredients, most of them digestive enzymes designed to break down different parts of food. Amylase, protease, lipase, cellulase, invertase, glucoamylase, hemicellulase, and diastase are carbohydrate- and protein-splitting enzymes, along with alpha-galactosidase (which helps with complex sugars) and fungal pepsin (another protease).

Betaine hydrochloride is added to increase stomach acid, and quinoa is included as a source nutrient. The product also lists inactive ingredients: cellulose (a binder), water, and phytase.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

We hold no graded evidence for this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: pH balancing system.
  • Our graded evidence for these ingredients doesn't cover that particular purpose.

The evidence supporting these ingredients is limited. For the enzymes and betaine hydrochloride, we have insufficient reliable evidence to rate their effectiveness for the conditions they're marketed for—including indigestion (dyspepsia), inflammatory bowel disease, and various digestive complaints.

Quinoa, eaten as food, also lacks established evidence for the health claims sometimes made about it. This doesn't mean the product doesn't work; it means the data we hold hasn't established that it does.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Betaine Hydrochloride Quinoa Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Lipase

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 4 of the 4 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 4 of 4.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 4 of 4.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Protease and fungal pepsin are generally well tolerated by most adults, but both can cause digestive upset or allergic reactions—and rarely, occupational exposure to airborne pepsin has triggered allergic rhinitis or asthma in case reports. Lipase appears generally well tolerated in supplement form, though people with serious digestive conditions should use it only under medical guidance.

Betaine hydrochloride may irritate your stomach and is not safe if you have ulcers, gastritis, or true acid reflux. Quinoa is widely eaten as food and is generally safe, though rare allergic reactions including anaphylaxis have been reported.

During pregnancy, safety data is limited for most ingredients here. Protease, lipase, and betaine hydrochloride should be avoided during pregnancy unless prescribed by your doctor.

Quinoa eaten as normal food is considered safe in pregnancy. During breastfeeding, protease and lipase are not recommended without medical advice, and betaine hydrochloride should be avoided.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Betaine Hydrochloride Quinoa Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) Lipase

Meds to double-check

Minor interactions only
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Minor only

Only Minor-severity interactions are documented for these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 4 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Betaine Hydrochloride.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Minor.
  • For scale: 36 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take acid-reducing medications: H2-blockers (like famotidine or ranitidine), antacids, or proton pump inhibitors (like omeprazole or pantoprazole). Betaine hydrochloride can interfere with how these work.

Also let your healthcare provider know if you have a history of ulcers, gastritis, or reflux disease.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no assessable stated purpose. Only minor medication interactions are documented, and safety information is well characterized.

This is a multi-enzyme digestive supplement. If you take acid-reducing medications—H2-blockers, antacids, or PPIs—check your specific drugs before starting, because betaine hydrochloride may reduce how well they work.

If you have ulcers or acid reflux, avoid this product. Bring the ingredient list to your doctor or pharmacist to confirm it's right for you, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a sensitive stomach.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 5 of 12 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Feb 22, 2024.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about HCl, straight from the product label.

Brand Loomis Enzymes
Barcode (UPC) 697706042511
Net contents 180 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 22, 2024
DSLD ID 306285
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for HCl by Loomis Enzymes, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
697706042511
IngredientAmount% DV
Amylase0 NP--
Protease0 NP--
Lipase0 NP--
Cellulase0 NP--
Invertase0 NP--
Glucoamylase0 NP--
Hemicellulase0 NP--
Diastase0 NP--
Betaine Hydrochloride180 mg--
Alpha-Galactosidase0 NP--
Quinoa100 mg--
Proprietary Enzyme Blend274 mg--
fungal Pepsin0 NP--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Water, Phytase

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

pHBS pH Balancing System

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Note: Consult your physician before using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Do not use if inner or outer seal is broken, torn, or missing.

Storage

To ensure freshness and potency, keep bottle tightly closed and store in a cool, dry place.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions for use: Take 2 capsules, 3 times daily with meals or as directed.

See for yourself

HCl by Loomis Enzymes label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in HCl by Loomis Enzymes

These are the 12 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Betaine Hydrochloride

Interacts with
36 drugs
180 mg per serving

Betaine hydrochloride is a supplement used to temporarily increase stomach acid in people who may have low acid levels. Evidence for its benefits is l...

Betaine Hydrochloride monograph & interactions

Quinoa

No known
interactions
100 mg per serving

Quinoa is a nutritious, gluten-free seed eaten like a grain, rich in protein, fiber, and minerals. It is best thought of as a healthy food rather than...

Quinoa monograph & interactions

Proprietary Enzyme Blend

274 mg per serving
  • › Amylase
  • Protease
  • Lipase
  • › Cellulase
  • › Invertase
  • › Glucoamylase
  • › Hemicellulase
  • › Diastase
  • › Alpha-Galactosidase
  • Fungal Pepsin

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Water, Phytase. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

HCl by Loomis Enzymes Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against HCl?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
36Drugs
36 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in HCl with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Betaine Hydrochloride3 drug types · 36 drugs

Antacids

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of antacids.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. Antacids are taken to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with antacids might decrease the effects of the antacids.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
H2-Blockers

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of H2-blockers.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. H2-blockers are used to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with H2-blockers might decrease the effects of H2-blockers.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Proton Pump Inhibitors (Ppis)

Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity and could decrease the effects of PPIs.
In human research, betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acidity. PPIs are used to decrease stomach acidity. Theoretically, taking betaine hydrochloride along with PPIs might decrease the effects of PPIs

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for HCl, from the product label.

Loomis Enzymes

See all Loomis Enzymes products
Name
Loomis Enzymes, LLC
City
Fitchburg
State
Wisconsin
ZipCode
53719
Phone Number
1-800-614-4400
Web Address
www.loomisenzymes.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

HCl by Loomis Enzymes: Common Questions

Does HCl by Loomis Enzymes interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, HCl has a known interaction with 36 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
HCl contains 12 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does this product have a lot of fillers?
It contains a few inactive ingredients—cellulose (a binder), water, and phytase—but nothing unusual. Most of what you're getting is the active enzymes and nutrients.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant?
Most of the enzymes in this product haven't been safety-tested in pregnancy, and betaine hydrochloride should be avoided during pregnancy unless your doctor prescribes it. Talk with your doctor before starting.
Is this safe if I have acid reflux?
No. Betaine hydrochloride increases stomach acid and can irritate your stomach lining—it's not safe for people with true acid reflux disease, gastritis, or ulcers. Skip this product and discuss alternatives with your pharmacist.
What is betaine hydrochloride doing in here?
It's added to increase stomach acidity, on the theory that stronger stomach acid helps digestion. However, the evidence that it actually improves digestion is insufficient, and it can cause problems if you take acid-reducing medications or have reflux.
Can I take this with my antacid or heartburn medication?
Not safely. Betaine hydrochloride works against acid-reducing medications—it increases acid while your medication decreases it—so they'd be working against each other. Check with your pharmacist about timing or whether a different product is better for you.
Is quinoa in this product good for weight loss or hormones?
Quinoa is a nutritious food, but we don't have reliable evidence that the amount in this supplement helps with weight loss or hormonal issues. It's included mainly as a nutrient source.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

HCl label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

HCl's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 11 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) 3 references
  1. Weeks JA, Harper RA, Simon RA, Burdick JD. Assessment of sensitization risk of a laundry pre-spotter containing protease. Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2011;30(4):272-9. PubMed
  2. Marquès LI, Lara S, Abós T, Bartolomé B. Occupational rhinitis due to pepsin. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2006;16(2):136-7. DOI
  3. Cartier A, Malo JL, Pineau L, Dolovich J. Occupational asthma due to pepsin. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1984;73(5 Pt 1):574-7. PubMed

See these in context on the Proteolytic Enzymes (proteases) monograph →

Lipase 1 reference
  1. Casper C, Hascoet JM, Ertl T, et al. Recombinant bile salt-stimulated lipase in preterm infant feeding: A randomized phase 3 study. PLoS One. 2016;11(5):e0156071. PubMed

See these in context on the Lipase monograph →

Betaine Hydrochloride 2 references
  1. Yago MR, Frymoyer A, Benet LZ, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Ding X, Dean B, Salphati L, Budha N, Jin JY, Dresser MJ, Ware JA. The use of betaine HCl to enhance dasatinib absorption in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. AAPS J. 2014 PubMed
  2. Yago MR, Frymoyer AR, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Budha NR, Dresser MJ, Ware JA, Benet LZ. Gastric reacidification with betaine HCl in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. Mol Pharm. 2013 Nov 4;10(11):4032-7. PubMed

See these in context on the Betaine Hydrochloride monograph →

Quinoa 5 references
  1. El-Qutob López D, Bartolomé Zavala B, Ortiz I. Cross-reactivity between buckwheat and quinoa in a patient with eosinophilic esophagitis caused by wheat. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 2014;24(1):56-7.
  2. Li L, Lietz G, Bal W, Watson A, Morfey B, Seal C. Effects of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) consumption on markers of CVD risk. Nutrients. 2018;10(6). pii: E777. PubMed
  3. De Carvalho FG, Ovídio PP, Padovan GJ, Jordão Junior AA, Marchini JS, Navarro AM. Metabolic parameters of postmenopausal women after quinoa or corn flakes intake--a prospective and double-blind study. Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2014;65(3):380-5. PubMed
  4. Hong J, Convers K, Reeves N, Temprano J. Anaphylaxis to quinoa. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2013;110(1):60-1. PubMed
  5. Astier C, Moneret-Vautrin DA, Puillandre E, Bihain BE. First case report of anaphylaxis to quinoa, a novel food in France. Allergy. 2009;64(5):819-20. PubMed

See these in context on the Quinoa monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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