Pepsin

Pepsin is an enzyme in your stomach that helps break down proteins from food into smaller, more manageable compounds. It is produced as an inactive precursor called pepsinogen, which is activated by the acidic environment of the stomach. Once active, pepsin works efficiently to digest proteins, preparing them for further breakdown and absorption in the intestines. It plays a vital role in your digestive process, ensuring your body can access amino acids—the building blocks needed for cell repair and growth. Pepsin's activity is optimal in the stomach’s acidic conditions, typically between pH 1.5 and 2.5.