Hydrochloric Acid & Pepsin: How They Work Together in Digestion

No, hydrochloric acid produced in the stomach does not destroy pepsin.

Pepsin is a digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins in food. It is produced in the stomach and works best in an acidic environment. Hydrochloric acid is also produced in the stomach and creates this acidic environment. So, pepsin and hydrochloric acid work together to break down food in the stomach.

However, hydrochloric acid is very corrosive and can damage the stomach lining if it is not properly regulated. To protect itself, the stomach produces a layer of mucus that lines the stomach wall. This mucus layer helps to protect the stomach lining from the hydrochloric acid and pepsin.