Antacids

Ian Ferris

Stomach Acid

• The stomach uses acid to break down food • Stomach acid’s primary chemical is Hydrochloric Acid • This acid is produced by parietal cells in the stomach lining

Stomach Acid (cont.)

• The production of HCl leads the pH level in the stomach to be around 1-2 • When there is too much acid the pH drops even lower, causing discomfort • This increase in acid could be a malfunction of the stomach and parietal cells or it could just be caused by a high intake of acidic foods

Antacids

• Antacids induce a neutralization reaction, buffering the lowered pH of the gastric acid and bringing it back to safer levels • They are essentially just very basic chemicals, but there are many varieties that use different bases for the neutralization reaction

Sodium Bicarbonate

NaHCO 3 (s) + HCl(aq) → NaCl(aq) + CO 2 (g) + H 2 O(l) • Sodium Bicarbonate based antacids, like Alka Seltzer, use NaHCO neutralize the HCl 3 to • Due to the high salt content, over use of these antacids can cause high blood pressure and other issues associated with high sodium intake

Calcium Carbonate

CaCO 3 (s) + 2HCl(aq) → CaCl 2 (aq) + CO 2 (g) + H 2 O(l) • Calcium Carbonate based antacidsCaCO 3 to neutralize the HCl, and work about as quickly and effectively as Sodium Bicarbonate antacids • These can be dangerous too, as high calcium intake has been linked to kidney stones and other kidney malfunctions

Magnesium

MgO(s) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl 2 (aq) + H 2 O(l) • Magnesium antacids are used as an alternative to Sodium Bicarbonate and Calcium Carbonate based antacids since those produce CO 2 which can cause more discomfort and gas • Unfortunately, the high magnesium levels have a laxative effect on the user

Aluminum

Al(OH) 3 (s) + 3HCl(aq) → AlCl 3 (aq) + 3H 2 O(l) • Aluminum antacids are not as fast acting as the other types of antacids, but it is similar to magnesium antacids in that it does not produce CO 2 • Side effects include constipation and a decrease in mineral absorption by the body

Antacids (cont.)

• There are also brands that use combinations of these four basic bases in their product • Antacids can also contain ingredients like simethicone, an anti-foaming agent, to relieve gas • Antacids are meant only for occaisional use; prolonged use can be damaging to the stomach and digestive system

Sources

• http://www.vivo.colostate.edu/hbooks/path phys/digestion/stomach/parietal.html

• http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8 90415/the_four_common_types_of_antaci ds_and_pg2.html?cat=68 • http://www.faqs.org/health/topics/50/Antaci ds.html