Concocting a More Effective Antacid View PDF

^*Heidi L Rowles
Department Of Biological Sciences And Food And Nutrition, University Of Cincinnati Clermont College, Goshen, United States

^*Corresponding Author:

Heidi L Rowles
Department Of Biological Sciences And Food And Nutrition, University Of Cincinnati Clermont College, Goshen, United States
Email:rowleshl@mail.uc.edu

Published on: 2017-08-09

Abstract

The purpose of this experiment was to test the effectiveness of two commercial antacids against several acidic solutions and to determine if a newly concocted antacid that was comprised of both a metal hydroxide and a carbonate would be more effective than the current commercial antacids at neutralizing the pH of the solutions.

Keywords

Antacid, Heartburn, Acid, Alkaline, Calcium Carbonate, Stomach, Ph, Indigestion

Introduction

Antacids are medications used to treat heartburn. As the name implies, their mechanism is to neutralize acid [antacid = anti (against) + acid]. This is a biological acid-base reaction that reduces or neutralizes acid levels in the stomach. The stomach releases hydrochloric acid to digest food which can result in a pH as low as1.50-2.00 in the stomach after eating. Acidic foods can aggravate the stomach lining. Antacids are used to neutralize the acid level of the stomach if a person experiences indigestion or heartburn. Antacids contain an alkaline reactant, usually sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, or aluminum and/or magnesium hydroxides.