Mineral salts in gastrointerstinal applications
Antacids
A healthy human stomach permanently produces hydrochloric acid (HCl) to
divide proteins hydrolytically and to protect against bacteria ingested
through food. Secretion amounts to 100 ml per hour on an empty stomach;
after a meal this value can increase to 1000 ml per hour. Stomach acid
secretion is controlled neurologically by the parasympathetic system as
well as through hormones.
A mucous layer coating the stomach from within protects the tissue from autolytic destruction through gastric acid having a pH-value of about 1.5.
A sumptuous meal but also continuous stress can lead to an
overproduction of gastric acid attacking the tissue. This can result in
reflux ("heartburn"), painful stomach ache up to stomach ulcer, in
seldom and extreme cases also into a perforation of the stomach.
Antacids contain minerals, which chemically neutralize the hydrochloric stomach acid, as for example calcium carbonate:
CaCO3 + 2 HCl → CaCl2 + H2O + CO2
Antacida können zu Tabletten, Kautabletten, Pulvern oder Gelen verarbeitet werden.
Antacids can be processed into tablets, chewable tablets, powder or gels. Dr. Paul Lohmann® offers the following mineral salts as base substance for antacids in varying pharmaceutical qualities:
- Aluminium Hydroxide (slow reaction)
- Calcium Carbonate
- Magnesium Carbonate (fast reaction)
- Magnesium Hydroxide
- Magnesium Oxide
- Magnesium Trisilicate
Laxatives
Many magnesium salts have a laxative effect if highly dosed. Effects take place through osmotic binding of water in the intestinal lumen making it easier to expel its content.
We offer laxatives containing magnesium in the form of the following salts:
- Magnesium carbonate
- Magnesium citrate
- Magnesium hydroxide
- Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt)
Furthermore,
- Sodium sulfate (Glauber’s salt)
also has a laxative effect.
Disclaimer: The information given in the document corresponds to our current knowledge. We warrant in the frame of our General Terms and Conditions of Sale that our products are manufactured in accordance with the specifications. However, we disclaim any liability with regard to the suitability of our products for a particular purpose or application or their compatibility with other substances. Tests have to be performed by the customer who also bears the risk in this respect. Nothing herein shall be construed as a recommendation to use our products in conflict with third parties' rights.
