Stomach acid plays a central role in the digestive system. It ensures that pathogens are killed, proteins are pre-digested in the stomach and important nutrients such as iron and vitamin B12 can be processed correctly. However, too much acid can lead to symptoms such as heartburn, irritation of the stomach lining or stomach ulcers. At the same time, too little acid production – i.e. low acidity – is often overlooked, although it can also cause stomach pain, bloating and nutritional deficiencies. Balanced stomach acid production is therefore crucial for healthy digestion and the prevention of stomach problems.