The truth about antacids

Do you reach for an antacid after meals or take a calcium supplement every day? A few basics can help you understand how the two fit together.

Calcium is the most common mineral in the human body. Your bones, teeth, muscles and nerves all need it. Calcium supplements are among the most widely sold supplements.

The two main forms of calcium supplements

The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements names two main forms of calcium supplements. They are calcium carbonate and calcium citrate.

Your body absorbs calcium carbonate best when you take it with food, because it needs stomach acid. You can take calcium citrate with or without food.

What antacids do

Antacids neutralize stomach acid. This can ease occasional heartburn and indigestion.

Stomach acid also plays a part in digestion. Pepsin is an enzyme that helps break down protein. It works best in an acidic stomach.

Many antacids are made from calcium carbonate. If you take both antacids and a calcium supplement, ask your medical doctor or pharmacist to check your total daily calcium.

When to talk to your medical doctor

Some heartburn needs a medical doctor's attention. This includes heartburn that happens often, lasts for weeks or keeps coming back after you stop taking antacids.

Do not stop or change a prescribed medication without talking to the doctor who prescribed it. This article is general information, not medical advice.

If you have questions about how your habits and health fit together, Dr. Rosseland is happy to talk them through with you. Call (520) 444-1937 or request an appointment online. Same-day appointments are available when there is an opening.