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 enzyme formula contains 12 active ingredients. Betaine hydrochloride supplies extra stomach acid to support digestion, while protease, pepsin (fungal), lipase, and amylase are digestive enzymes that break down protein, fat, and carbohydrate in food.

The formula also includes cellulase, invertase, glucoamylase, hemicellulase, diastase, alpha-galactosidase, and quinoa — each meant to aid breakdown or absorption of different food components. Beyond the actives, the capsule contains cellulose, water, and phytase as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Not established
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 established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: pH balancing and digestive enzyme support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, hypochlorhydria, indigestion, gastric acid insufficiency.
  • The closest evidence on file: Lipase is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Betaine Hydrochloride is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia.

The evidence supporting these ingredients isn't established in our data. Lipase, betaine hydrochloride, and quinoa are all rated as having insufficient reliable evidence for the digestive and other conditions they're proposed for — meaning the studies so far either don't exist or aren't strong enough to draw conclusions.

If you're considering this product for a specific digestive issue, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist to see if there's a better-supported option.

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.

Betaine hydrochloride may irritate the stomach and is unsafe for people with ulcers, gastritis, or true acid reflux — it could theoretically worsen heartburn or damage. Protease and pepsin are generally well tolerated but may cause digestive upset or allergic reactions in some adults; occupational exposure to pepsin has rarely triggered allergic rhinitis or asthma.

Lipase is generally well tolerated in supplement form, though serious digestive conditions warrant medical guidance. Quinoa is widely eaten as food and generally safe, though rare allergic reactions including anaphylaxis have been reported.

During pregnancy, safety data is limited: betaine hydrochloride is best avoided, protease safety hasn't been established so it's best avoided unless prescribed, and lipase has little data so only use if your doctor advises. For breastfeeding, protease and lipase aren't recommended without medical advice, and betaine hydrochloride is best avoided.

Quinoa eaten as normal food is considered safe in both pregnancy and 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.

Check before taking this product if you use H2-blockers (like famotidine for heartburn), antacids, or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs like omeprazole for acid reflux) — betaine hydrochloride may reduce how well these work. Confirm with your doctor or pharmacist before combining it with any of these.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Only minor medication interactions are documented, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is a multi-enzyme digestive formula, but the evidence that it works isn't clear in our data. If you take any medication that reduces stomach acid — H2-blockers, antacids, or PPIs — this product's betaine hydrochloride could interfere with them.

Betaine hydrochloride also isn't appropriate if you have ulcers or acid reflux. Before starting, talk with your own doctor or pharmacist about whether it fits your health situation and medications.

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) 697706042504
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 22, 2024
DSLD ID 306284
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
45
UPC/BARCODE
697706042504
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--
Pepsin, Fungal0 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.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions for use: Take 2 capsules, 3 times daily between 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 container45 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
  • Pepsin, Fungal

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.
Can I take this if I have acid reflux or heartburn?
No — betaine hydrochloride in this product may irritate your stomach and worsen heartburn. It's not safe for people with ulcers, gastritis, or true acid reflux. Skip this product and talk with your doctor about a digestive support option that's right for your condition.
Is it safe during pregnancy?
The safety data isn't there to say yes. Betaine hydrochloride is best avoided in pregnancy, and the protease ingredient hasn't been established as safe unless your doctor prescribes it. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized advice if you're pregnant or planning to be.
Can I take it while breastfeeding?
Safety hasn't been well studied, so it's not recommended without medical advice. The protease and lipase in particular have little breastfeeding data. Check with your healthcare provider first to see if it's okay for you.
What do the digestive enzymes in this product actually do?
Each enzyme breaks down a different type of food: protease and pepsin handle protein, lipase handles fat, and amylase and the other enzymes handle carbohydrates and plant fiber. Together they're meant to help your digestive system process a variety of foods.
Does this product have fillers?
It has a few inactive ingredients — cellulose, water, and phytase — that help make the capsule and preserve the formula, though the product is mostly active enzymes.
Could I have an allergic reaction to this?
Rare allergic reactions to protease and pepsin have happened, especially in people with occupational exposure — they've triggered allergic rhinitis or asthma in a few cases. Quinoa allergy is also rare but has caused anaphylaxis. If you have known allergies to any of these, avoid the product and talk with your doctor first.

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

Not sure if HCl is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

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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