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What Acid Is Present in the Stomach?

Anyone who has every had a spell of indigestion or has vomited unpleasantly can easily identify the highly acidic conditions of the stomach. Stomach acid is referred to medically as gastric acid, which consists of hydrochloric acid and various salts.

  1. Gastric Acid

    • Hydrochloric acid is a strong acid. It is formed from the production of chlorine (Cl-) and hydrogen (H+) ions in water (H20). This produces a solution of hydronium cations (H3O+) and chlorine (Cl-) ions. The hydronium ion has an excess of protons (H+), which makes it highly reactive in solution. This activity allows gastric acid to denature (unfold) proteins and to destroy a number of weaker chemical bonds.

    Production

    • The cells in the stomach that produce stomach acid are known as oxyntic, or parietal cells. These cells secrete gastric acid into the inner space (lumen) of the stomach. The production of gastric acid is done by ion pumps. These pumps produce localized increases of hydrogen (H+) and chlorine (Cl-) ions in the lumen of the stomach, which in solution forms hydrochloric acid.

    Function

    • The hydrochloric acid of the stomach can break down weak chemical bonds that stabilize proteins and other biomolecules. This breaking of bonds leads to the denaturation (unfolding) of complex molecules, which often inactivates them and leaves them open to additional chemical and enzymatic reactions. The opening and breaking down of complex molecules allows for the absorption of nutrients in the stomach and intestines.

    Regulation

    • Gastric acid is well regulated in production by acetycholine, gastrin and histamine. These simulators allow control at the neural, local (paracrine) and gland (endocrine) levels, respectively, but failures in regulation can lead to a variety of medical conditions.

    Problems

    • Problems with overproduction of gastric acid include heart burn and acid reflux. Antacids (basic salts) are often taken to neutralize the excess acid. Additionally, hydrogen ion pump inhibitors can inhibit the production of gastric acid. In the aging population as well as for long-term users of antacids and proton pump inhibitors, a lack of gastric acid can be a problem. Underproduction of gastric acid can result in infections and is associated with pneumonia. It can also lead to failed absorption of nutrients in the diet, ultimately resulting in vitamin, mineral or protein deficiencies.

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