Achlorhydria
Type: Symptom
Definition
The absence of hydrochloric acid in the gastric secretions of the stomach.
Clinical Details
While VIP stimulates intestinal secretion, it acts as a powerful inhibitor of gastric acid secretion in the stomach. The high circulating levels of the peptide shut down the parietal cells, drastically reducing or completely eliminating stomach acid production. This can impair digestion and alter the absorption of certain nutrients and medications.