Products
Alkaline powders are available from various suppliers in pharmacies and drugstores as dietary supplements. They are also manufactured by the companies themselves. In addition to powders, tablets and other preparations are also sold.
Structure and properties
Alkaline powders are powder mixtures intended for ingestion. They contain basic inorganic salts and excipients. These include, for example: Carbonates and hydrogen carbonates (salts of carbonic acid):
- Calcium carbonate
- Sodium hydrogen carbonate
- Potassium hydrogen carbonate
- Magnesium carbonate
Hydrogen phosphates (salts of phosphoric acid):
- Disodium hydrogen phosphate
Citrates (salts of citric acid):
- Magnesium citrate
- Potassium citrate
Other possible ingredients of base powder are minerals or trace elements.
Effects
The discussion about the benefits of alkaline powders is controversial. According to the alternative medical concept, today’s diet, stress and insufficient physical exercise lead to “over-acidification” and a build-up of acids and breakdown substances in the body. Alkaline powders are supposed to counteract this process and neutralize the acids. From a scientific point of view, nutritional supplementation with bases is commented on critically, since the body itself has a sophisticated buffer system with which it regulates the acid-base balance to a sufficient extent. For example, the blood pH is set in a very narrow range around the value of 7.4. It should be noted that the carbonates and hydrogen carbonates in the acid stomach are neutralized by the stomach acid. This produces the gas carbon dioxide, which escapes: sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) + hydrochloric acid (HCl) sodium chloride (NaCl) + water (H2O) + carbon dioxide (CO2) Thus, they are not absorbed into the body at all, but are already decomposed in the stomach by hydrochloric acid. Neutralization of stomach acid can cause undesirable effects, as it performs important functions in digestion, absorption of nutrients and protection against diseases. Therefore, some alkaline tablets have an enteric coating, but not the powders.
Fields of application
In alternative medicine, alkaline powders are taken for the prevention and treatment of an “overacidification” of the organism and are recommended for a whole range of application areas. These include, for example, osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatism, diabetes, headaches, fatigue, osteoporosis, listlessness, gastrointestinal complaints, skin problems and heart disease.
Dosage
According to the product information. The powders are usually taken dissolved in water or a juice. The treatment success and course is made with a pH measurement of urine (indicator paper, strips). This procedure is also controversial.
Contraindications
Contraindications include (selection):
- Hypersensitivity
- Renal insufficiency
- Electrolyte disorders
- Pregnancy and lactation
A complete list of contraindications is not available.
Interactions
The salts may inhibit the absorption of other drugs. Potassium-sparing drugs may increase potassium levels.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include gastrointestinal disturbances. Alkaline powders, depending on composition and dosage, may promote disturbances in electrolyte balance due to increased intake (e.g., sodium, potassium, calcium).
