What is an antacid? An antacid is a product made by companies like Johnson & Johnson Merck that neutralizes the acid in your stomach and/or prevents the stomach from making more acid when you have a common ailment known as “Heartburn”. (Barnhart 34)
Heartburn is when you experience a burning sensation in the esophagus. This happens when some of the stomach acid produced by the stomach enters the esophagus and irritates the tissue thus, causing the person to feel a burning sensation in their upper digestive system. This burning sensation is most commonly centered in the chest area. Sometimes this sensation could be mistaken for heart pain and has also been called “heartburn”. An antacid relieves this burning sensation. Because many people suffer from chronic or acute heartburn, antacids sell in high volume. Companies that manufacture antacids suggest that the peak season for antacid sales are around the holidays and Superbowl Sunday, when people tend to eat the most. ("How Do Antacids and Acid Reducers Work")
There are two major types of antacids: chemically formulated antacids and natural antacids. Some examples of chemically formulated antacids are: Tums, Pepcid Complete, Rolaids, Maalox, AlternaGel, Mylanta Supreme, Mylanta Classic, and Mylanta Ultimate Strength Suspension and Tablets. Some examples of natural antacids are: Milk of Magnesia, Licorice Root, Gingera, and Calcium Carbonate.
Natural antacids are very different than the chemically formulated ones. Many articles state that chemical antacids do more harm than good because they disrupt the digestive track. Some articles claim that natural antacids balance out stomach problems and cure heartburn for good. ("Milk of Magnesia")
Some of the most common ingredients in chemically formulated antacids are Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Hydroxide, and Aluminum Hydroxide. Calcium Carbonate (which is in Tums, Mylanta Supreme, Mylanta Ultimate Strength Tablets and Pepcid Complete) is a chemical compound with the chemical formula CaCO3. It is commonly used medically as a calcium supplement or as an antacid. ("How Do Antacids and Acid Reducers Work") Magnesium Hydroxide (which is in Mylanta Supreme, Mylanta Classic, Mylanta Ultimate Strength Suspension and Tablets) is a chemical compound with the chemical formula Mg(OH)2, It is otherwise known as Milk of Magnesia. Magnesium Hydroxide is commonly used as an antacid or laxative. ("Milk of Magnesia") Aluminum Hydroxide (which is in AlternaGel, Mylanta Classic, and Mylanta Ultimate Strength Suspension) is a chemical compound with the chemical formula Al(OH)3. It is the most stable form of Aluminum found in nature. ("How Do Antacids and Acid Reducers Work") Famotidine (which is in Pepcid) is not an acid neutralizer. Instead, it is an H2 blocker (acid reducer or controller). It inhibits the production of acid in the stomach and is commonly used in the treatment of ulcers. ("How Do Antacids and Acid Reducers Work") These ingredients can be used alone or in combination to formulate an effective antacid product.
Antacid products work by neutralizing the acid in the stomach instantly, thus they provide fast short relief of the burning sensation. But because the stomach constantly produces acid, especially when digesting food, the burning sensation soon comes back. H2 blockers reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces, but it takes a while for the H2 blockers to work. They do not provide immediate relief, but once they start working, the relief last much longer because the stomach will stop producing the acid. Some chemically formulated products (like Pepcid Complete) contain a combination of the antacid ingredients and H2 blockers to provide instant and long lasting relief in one dose.
In this experiment, the researcher will determine which type of antacid, chemically formulated or homeopathic, neutralizes more acid quicker and which antacid product works the best overall at relieving "Heartburn" (which neutralizes the most acid overall, taking price per unit dose into consideration)? Keep in mind that any medication may have some side effects on the digestive system. This experiment will only explore the measurable acid neutralizing capability of each product.
Statement of problem
Which type of antacid (chemically formulated of homeopathic) neutralizes more acid quicker and which antacid product works the best overall at relieving a common ailment known as "Heartburn" (which neutralizes the most acid overall, taking price per unit dose into consideration)?
Hypothesis
Chemically formulated antacids (Tums, Mylanta Ultimate Strength Suspension, AlternaGel, Mylanta Supreme Suspension, Pepcid Complete Chewable Tablet, and Mylanta Ultimate Strength Chewable Tablets) will be more effective than the homeopathic ones (Nature's Plus Licorice Root Extract and Michael's Antisid), and the most effective antacid overall will be a combination product (multiple chemical active ingredients) with the highest concentration per unit dose of active ingredients.
