Healing of benign gastric ulcer with low-dose antacids and fiber diet.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to determine the efficacy of a low-dose aluminum-magnesium antacid regimen (Link one tablet q.i.d.) (total neutralizing capacity 120 mmol HCl/day) in combination with a high- or a low-fiber diet in ulcer healing and relief of symptoms in patients with benign gastric ulcer. After 6 wk, the ulcer healed in 28 (67%) of the 42 patients treated with antacids compared with 11 (25%) of the 44 patients treated with placebo (p less than 0.001). Antacids were also significantly more effective than placebo in the relief of symptoms. The dietary treatment did not significantly influence ulcer healing or ulcer symptoms. Constipation was more frequently seen with the low- than with the high-fiber diet (p less than 0.01). No significant side effects from antacids were recorded.