Achlorhydria

Achlorhydria, the absence of hydrochloric acid in the gastrointestinal juices. Hydrochloric acid aids digestion by activating the enzyme pepsin in the stomach, and by breaking down foods into components that can be absorbed by the blood. Complete achlorhydria is rare, occurring only in about ten percent of patients with stomach disorders. Persons with a less than normal secretion of hydrochloric acid may have few digestive symptoms, or none at all. However, achlorhydria is sometimes a symptom of serious disease, such as cancer or destruction of the stomach lining by inflammation. Pernicious anemia is associated with achlorhydria.