Alginic acid

Of the Alginic acid has many uses in medical use. On the one hand, it is considered a thickener and as such can restructure liquid medicines into a gel. On the other hand, it is used therapeutically for digestive disorders and heartburn as well as an appetite suppressant.

What is alginic acid?

Alginic acid can be found naturally in brown algae and various bacteria. The raw material can be extracted on this basis. For its part, it is enriched with D-mannuronic acid and L-guluronic acid in varying proportions. This influences various processes of digestion and the flora in the gastrointestinal tract.

It is only in this new structure that alginic acid can have a thickening effect. It is therefore often used for the gelation of liquid preparations and can thus increase the digestibility for the patient. Likewise, the medicinal product bound in gel is often more effectively introduced into the organism without being damaged by contact with the aggressive gastric juices.

In addition, alginic acid is used for complaints in the esophagus and the digestive tract. As a result, it is also used to regulate appetite and thus gains a certain importance in the context of a diet program.

Pharmacological effect

It can be used to treat chronic heartburn thanks to its high water absorption capacity. Alginic acid is introduced into the digestive tract in the form of a tablet and reacts in the stomach with the fluid present there. In the reaction, a dense and - depending on the degree of bonding - tough foam is formed.

This lies on the inner walls of the stomach and rises up to a certain height into the esophagus. In it, too, it forms a gentle layer for the cell walls. Heartburn is prevented in this way. The gastric juices can no longer act aggressively. A second effect is also triggered by the binding capacity of alginic acid. The swelling of the raw material simulates filling and saturation in the stomach.

The affected person will lose their appetite and will consequently eat less food. The cravings decrease and binge eating occurs less often. In this respect, alginic acid can also be used successfully in the course of a diet. However, their most common use is in the gelation of liquid medicines.

Medical application & use

As a gelling agent, alginic acid is suitable for transporting therapeutic agents into the organism. Liquid remedies can be bound with it. Likewise, very sensitive components can also be protected from the influence of aggressive gastric juices in the aforementioned way.

Alginic acid is also prescribed by the doctor to regulate appetite. Here the product can also have a double effect, which can also be used successfully to combat chronic heartburn. The advantage of alginic acid lies in its low metabolism. The basic substance can remain in the organism for hours and is not attacked or even broken down by the juices and acids.

The last-mentioned property of high resistance to degradation - paired with the ability to bind - is also used to cover wounds. Likewise, cell walls can be strengthened in this way and tissue structures in the body can be restored. In this context, the gel used will keep the wound moist through its absorption of water, but at the same time remove bacteria, blood and pus from it.

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Risks & side effects

Alginic acid has relatively few side effects. These can primarily be an allergic reaction. In a few cases there is a tendency to develop hives. On the other hand, a defensive reaction of the body takes place even more rarely. Vomiting cannot be ruled out here.

In a few cases, shock states have already been found immediately after ingestion. However, these side effects are in the very low alcohol range. On the other hand, softening of the stool is more frequently recognized. However, this effect also only occurs for a short time and should subside after about one to two days.

Ultimately, an increased feeling of fullness is also possible due to the binding ability in the stomach. These are, however, side effects and not side effects in the narrower sense.