Re: betaine hcl and nutrient absorbtion

 I've been on bitters, tmg, and zinc for stomach acid.
Also have taken bee pollen every morning and afternoon.

I still don't feel like I am producing enough stomach acid to break down the foods and absorb the nutrients.

Is there anything else to consider, or try for stomach acid? I know that betaine hcl is recommended, but isn't it wise to try and stay away from it if you can, since the body can get dependent on it?

B vitamins are also required.  But there is a catch-22.  The zinc and B vitamins though need sufficient stomach acid in order to be absorbed so they can help produce more stomach acid.  If someone is severely deficient in stomach acid then they will have a problem absorbing the nutrients needed to produce their own acid.  Therefore, temporarily using betaine HCl can help with the absorption of these nutrients.  This should help kick start your own acid production.