Magnesium and gastric acid secretion.

This study examined the modifications of acid gastric secretion caused by magnesium oxide, peroxide, silicate and sulphate in 805 patients with duodenal ulcers; The calcium-magnesium antagonism on the one hand and the acetazolamide - magnesium synergia on the other, were also investigated. Our results show that administration of magnesium, either oral or parenteral, does not significantly modify gastric acid secretion, either basal or stimulated by maximal histamine. Administration of un infusion of calcium gluconate 15 mg/kg body weight, significantly increases gastric acid secretion as compared to basal secretion. Addition of a dose of magnesium sulphate to the infusion antagonises the effect of gastric acid secretion caused by calcium. Administration of 1.5 gr magnesium oxide along with 25 mg acetazolamide per kg/body weight, strengthens the inhibitory effect of acetazolamide upon gastric acid secretion, increasing the proportion of significant inhibitory effects up to 98% of the cases under investigation. Addition of magnesium to the classical therapy antagonises the noxious effects of calcium compounds; the presence of magnesium in the composition of antacid powders proves necessary.