Which mineral is used to neutralize stomach acid?

• A. Sodium bicarbonate
• B. Calcium chloride
• C. Magnesium sulfate
• D. Hepatitis B vaccine

Answer: (A)

Antacids work by neutralizing stomach acid, which is mainly hydrochloric acid. Sodium bicarbonate is a basic salt that reacts with HCl to form sodium chloride and carbonic acid, which quickly decomposes into water and carbon dioxide. This neutralization raises the pH of the stomach contents, relieving heartburn and ulcers symptoms. That’s why sodium bicarbonate is the best choice for neutralizing stomach acid. The other substances don’t serve that purpose: calcium chloride isn’t used as a stomach antacid and can affect calcium levels; magnesium sulfate is a laxative and electrolyte product, not a neutralizer of acid; and the hepatitis B vaccine has no relation to stomach acid or its neutralization.