Alginic acid has many uses in medical applications. On the one hand, it is considered a thickening agent and as such can restructure liquid medicines into a gel. On the other hand, it is used therapeutically for indigestion and heartburn, and as an appetite suppressant.
What is alginic acid?
Alginic acid is used therapeutically for indigestion and heartburn, for example, and as an appetite suppressant. Alginic acid can be detected in nature, for example, in brown algae and various bacteria. On this basis, the basic substance can be obtained. It is in turn enriched with D-mannuronic acid and L-guluronic acid in a varying mixing ratio. This influences various processes of digestion as well as the flora in the gastrointestinal tract. Only in this new structure is it possible for alginic acid to have a thickening effect. It is thus frequently used to gel liquid preparations and in this respect can increase digestibility in patients. Likewise, the remedy 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 to treat complaints in the esophagus and digestive tract. Subsequently, it is also used to regulate appetite and thus acquires some importance in a diet program.
Pharmacological action
Its use in the treatment of chronic heartburn succeeds due to its high absorption capacity of water. Alginic acid is introduced into the digestive tract in the form of a tablet and reacts in the stomach with the liquid present there. In the reaction, a dense and – depending on the degree of binding – viscous foam is formed. This foam is deposited on the inner walls of the stomach and rises to a certain height in the esophagus. In it, too, it forms a gentle layer for the cell walls. Heartburn is prevented in this way. The gastric juices can now no longer act aggressively. A second effect is also triggered by the binding ability of the alginic acid. The swelling of the basic substance simulates filling and satiety in the stomach. The affected person thus loses appetite and will eat less food as a result. Cravings decrease and eating attacks occur less frequently. In this respect, alginic acid can also be used successfully in the course of a diet. Nevertheless, its most common use is in the gelation of liquid medicines.
Medical application and use
As a gelling agent, alginic acid is useful for transporting therapeutic agents into the organism. Liquid remedies can be bound with it. Likewise, however, very sensitive ingredients can be preserved from the influence of aggressive gastric juices in the aforementioned way. Alginic acid is also prescribed by physicians for appetite regulation. In this case, the product has a double effect, which can also be successfully used 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 yet it is not attacked or even degraded by the juices and acids. The latter property of high resistance to degradation – coupled with its binding ability – is also used to cover wounds. Similarly, cell walls can be strengthened in this way and tissue structures in the body restored. In this framework, the gel used will keep the wound moist by absorbing water, but at the same time it will remove bacteria, blood and pus from it.
Risks and side effects
Alginic acid has relatively few side effects. These may lie primarily in an allergic reaction. Thus, in a few cases, a tendency to hives can be recorded. Even more rarely, on the other hand, a defensive reaction of the body takes place. In this case, vomiting cannot be ruled out. In addition, shock states have been observed in isolated cases immediately after ingestion. However, these side effects are in the very low per thousand range. More frequently, however, a softening of the stool is detected. However, this effect also occurs only briefly and should subside after about one to two days. Due to the binding capacity in the stomach, an increased feeling of fullness is also possible. However, these are side effects and not side effects in the narrower sense.
