The production of adequate stomach acid is crucial for overall health. The consequences of low stomach acid production are severe, including vitamin B12 deficiency and bacterial overgrowth of the gut that can lead to increased risk of C. difficile and H. pylori infections.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, low stomach acid also ensures poor digestion of proteins, potentially leading to malnourishment.

Mineral deficiencies are also common with inadequate stomach acid production.

Thyroid disorders are also associated with low stomach acid.

Worse yet, the New England Journal of Medicine reports that low stomach acid production decreases the absorption of thyroid hormone by approximately 25 percent.