Absorbable Calcium For Reflux

Gastroesophageal reflux, also known as acid reflux, occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter fails to keep stomach acid from entering the esophagus, the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Symptoms of acid reflux include heartburn, indigestion, dry cough and difficulty swallowing. The absorbable calcium found in some antacids neutralizes the acid in the esophagus to reduce symptoms and relieve discomfort.

Function

Calcium carbonate, found in some over-the-counter antacid tablets, neutralizes acid and increases the pH of the stomach. This neutralization occurs very quickly, providing fast relief for uncomfortable acid reflux symptoms. The increased pH of the stomach also causes pepsin activity to decline or stop completely. Pepsin breaks down proteins to aid in hormone regulation, infection control and other bodily functions.

Benefits

Taking absorbable calcium for reflux has several benefits. Chewable calcium tablets provide a convenient alternative to pills, especially for people who have difficulty swallowing medications in pill form. Because pharmacies and retail stores sell these products over the counter, you do not need to visit a doctor and get a prescription. Their availability also makes absorbable calcium a convenient choice for travelers who experience acid reflux and do not have access to a pharmacy or clinic. Because absorbable calcium neutralizes acid right away, you do not have to wait for the medication in a pill to enter the bloodstream.

Problems

Absorbable calcium does cause some problems, particularly in people who take medications for other conditions. The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals indicates that absorbable antacids interfere with the absorption of digoxin, tetracycline and iron supplements. Digoxin treats heart failure and rhythm disorders in the upper chambers of the heart. Tetracycline, an antibiotic, treats chlamydia, urinary tract infections, gonorrhea and other types of infections. Taking too many calcium-based antacids also increases the risk of milk-alkali syndrome. This condition occurs when the acid/base balance of the body shifts from acidic to alkaline. Milk-alkali syndrome increases the risk of kidney stones and causes fatigue, excessive urination, nausea and pain in the middle of the body.

Misconceptions

Some people believe that calcium-based antacids provide a suitable replacement for calcium supplements or the calcium found in foods and beverages. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension reports that the body does not absorb the calcium from antacids as well as calcium from other sources. Because calcium carbonate requires the presence of stomach acid for proper absorption, neutralizing stomach acid with antacids prevents adequate absorption of the absorbable calcium. Some antacids also contain aluminum and magnesium, which interfere with calcium absorption.

Alternatives

Several alternatives exist for those who experience chronic acid reflux. They include H2 blockers, prokinetics, proton pump inhibitors and foaming agents. H2 blockers decrease the production of stomach acid. Common H2 blockers include famotidine, ranitidine and cimetidine. Prokinetics strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter to prevent it from allowing acid to back up into the esophagus. Examples include metoclopramide and bethanechol. Proton pump inhibitors work on the cells of the stomach wall to reduce acid production. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports that they provide higher levels of effectiveness than H2 blockers. Pantoprazole, omeprazole and esomeprazole function as proton pump inhibitors. Foaming agents coat the stomach with foam, which prevents acid reflux.