Alginates

Brand Names:

Clinical Names: Alginates

Summary

Alginates

chemistry: A thick gel, containing alginic acid.

sources: Derived from algae.

overview of interactions:
• nutrient affecting drug performance: Aluminum Hydroxide (Antacids)

Interactions

nutrient affecting drug performance: Aluminum Hydroxide (Antacids)

• mechanism: Research indicates that alginate gel physically blocks stomach acid from contacting the esophagus.

• research: The use of this gel in conjunction with aluminum-based antacids offers a potentially superior method of treating heartburn. Researchers found that this combination of the alginate and antacid was more effective at relieving symptoms and improving healing than was the antacid alone.
(Maxton DG, et al. Br J Clin Pract. 1988 Sep;42(9):368-371; McHardy O. South Med J 1978;71 (suppl 1):16-21; Graham DY, et al. Curr Ther Res 1977,22:653-658.)

• nutritional synergy: The studies cited suggest that two tablets of alginate, containing 200 mg alginic acid, should be chewed before each meal and at bedtime.

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Do not rely solely on the information in this article.

The information presented in Interactions is for informational and educational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, case reports, and/or traditional usage with sources as cited in each topic. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals and different individuals with the same medical conditions with the same symptoms will often require differing treatments. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with conventional medical therapies, including prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications, is also available. Consult your physician, an appropriately trained healthcare practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health concern or medical problem before using any herbal products or nutritional supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications and/or before attempting to independently treat a medical condition using supplements, herbs, remedies, or other forms of self-care.


References

Graham DY, Lanza F, Dorsch ER. Symptomatic reflux esophagitis: A double-blind controlled comparison of antacids and alginate. Curr Ther Res 1977,22:653-658.

Maxton DG, Miller JP, Whorwell PJ, Butler JK. A study of Algicon, an antacid-alginate preparation, in patients with reflux oesophagitis. Br J Clin Pract. 1988 Sep;42(9):368-371.

McHardy O. A multicentric, randomized clinical trial of Gaviscon in reflux esophagitis. South Med J 1978 Jan;71 Suppl 1:16-21.
Abstract: Gaviscon tablets and the standard antacid proved equally effective in reducing the number of heartburn attacks. Chi-square tests revealed no significant difference between the two treatment groups at the end of weeks 1, 2, 3, or 4. Heartburn score was arrived at by multiplying heartburn incidence by heartburn severity. This heartburn score also indicated no significant difference between the two treatment groups at the end of the four weeks. Tabulation of the mean number of tablets consumed by patients in the two groups was made. There was no significant difference between the two groups in tablet consumption, indicating equal demand as well as equal compliance in the two groups. Esophagoscopy done before and after 28 days of treatment showed that Gaviscon and the standard antacid tablets were equally effective in each group. There was significant, and equal, decrease in the severity in the specific signs of esophagitis, friability, erosion, and ulceration in both treatment groups, as well as in such nonspecific signs as hyperemia, edema, and exudate. The validity and clinical acceptance of an alginic acid-containing agent, Gaviscon, which through a foaming action delivers a minimal dose of antacid directly at the site of acid irritation of the esophageal mucosa, has been confirmed in a multicentric, well-controlled randomized clinical trial.