Aluminum Hydroxide

Aluminum hydroxide, also known as alumina trihydrate, is a white, odorless, and tasteless powder with the chemical formula Al(OH)3. It is a naturally occurring mineral that can be synthesized chemically by reacting aluminum sulfate or aluminum chloride with sodium hydroxide.

Aluminum hydroxide is commonly used as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid and relieve symptoms of heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach. When consumed orally, it reacts with the hydrochloric acid in the stomach and forms aluminum chloride, which then converts to aluminum ions that bind to bicarbonate ions in the alkaline environment of the small intestine. This reaction reduces the acidity of the stomach contents and increases the pH level, providing relief from symptoms.

Apart from its medicinal uses, aluminum hydroxide is also used in various industrial applications, such as in the production of aluminum metal and ceramics, as a filler in plastics, rubber, and paper, and as a flame retardant in textiles, cables, and construction materials.

However, excessive consumption or prolonged use of aluminum hydroxide may cause side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Long-term exposure to high levels of aluminum may lead to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, although the link between aluminum exposure and the disease is still debated among researchers.

Therefore, it is important to use aluminum hydroxide only under the guidance of a healthcare professional and to follow the recommended dosage and duration of use.