Antacids as Bases

 It is common knowledge that digestion commences at the mouth and ends in the small intestine. We know that digestion of food is the major way that animals are able to access the nutrients that are necessary for life. The stomach is a very important part of the body that takes part in digestion. However, the stomach is quite acidic. 


The acidity of the stomach results from the production of gastric acid in the stomach. Gastric acid is produced when a hormone called gastrin gives a signal to the parietal cells in the stomach.


The function of the gastric acid is to minimize the growth of microorganism in the stomach and also kill any microorganisms that may have been ingested alongside food substances.  Secondly, gastric acid is involved in the activation of pepsinogen to give pepsin which is an important step in the digestion of proteins. Thirdly, the gastric acid generally assists the breakdown of food particles in the stomach so as to aid easy digestion of food particles.


The body has the ability to handle this high acidity of the stomach region such that it doesn’t cause any problems in the body. However, we know that no system is ever 100% efficient; even the systems that were made by nature. As such, there could be hyper secretion of gastric acid in the stomach leading to problems in the entire gastro intestinal tract.


Ever heard of gastric ulcers? This is one of the health issues that could result from hyperacidity of the stomach. Also, there is the possibility of gastroesophageal reflux which is the backwash of gastric acid into the gastrointestinal tract thereby irritating the lining of the esophagus and causing discomfort to the individual.


The symptoms of these conditions include, heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, bloating and abdominal discomfort. The gastric acid or juice in the stomach is composed mostly of HCl and other electrolytes. Thus, treatment of these conditions would involve devising a way to reduce the excess acid by reacting it with a base to form a salt and water(and sometimes a gas somewhere in between).


The category of drugs that can be used to treat symptoms that arise from hyperacidity in the stomach are called antacids. They can be commonly purchased over the counter in many countries. They bring instant relieve to the symptoms of hyper acidity mentioned above. From the foregoing, it is clear that all antacids MUST be bases.


How does antacids work? As we have noted, the gastric juice in the stomach is mostly composed of HCl, a strong acid. We would need an equally strong base to counteract its action. This reaction between the antacid and the HCl in the stomach is called a NEUTRALIZATION REACTION. 


The most common antacids contain the carbonates or hydroxides of calcium, magnesium and aluminum in concentrations that are tolerable in the human body.


Some common antacid brands and their active ingredients include;

Alka – Seltzer contains Calcium carbonate and Simethicone

Philips’s Cramp free  contains  Magnesium Oxide

Neut contains sodium bicarbonate


For most carbonate or hydroxide antacids, the mechanism of action involves the reaction;

XCO3(aq) + 2HCl(aq) -- XCl2(aq) + CO2(g) + H2O(l)

X(OH)2(aq) + 2HCl(aq)   - XCl2(aq)  + 2H2O(l)

X is any metal such as Ca, Mg, Al or Na. The forward reaction decreases the concentration of the HCl in the stomach thereby gradually relieving the symptoms of hyperacidity. 


In tomorrow’s lesson, we shall go further to highlight more uses of bases. See you then!


Apologies: We are very sorry that today’s lesson was delivered very much behind schedule. It is due to a technical issue which is now being resolved. Lessons shall hereafter be delivered at the usual time. Thanks for your understanding.


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