4 ms·

Tums is calcium carbonate, not sodium bicarbonate.

• trentlott 8y ago
  The bicarb is what really matters
  • sizzle 8y ago
    So is Tums safe since it isn't bicarbonate? I take it every day to counteract acidic foods.
    • yial 8y ago
      The excess calcium can greatly increase your risk of kidney stones.
      • mattrices 8y ago
        This is myth, Ca actually can reduce kidney stones while Na increases the probability they will develop. Ca could have negative cardiac effects above 1200mg per day though. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones/eating-diet-nutrition https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseas...
        • yial 8y ago
          I’m uncertain which is correct now. My own healthcare provider warned me of the correlation... And it’s also listed as a(n) (albeit rare) side effect here. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000198.htm https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000198.htm
  • mattrices 8y ago
    CaCO3 and NaHCO3 effect pH in similar ways, Calcium Carbonate is the stronger alkaline buffer though because it can pick up 2 H+ where as bicarb alread has an H+. Both can form bicarbonate ions depending on the pH. lawr.ucdavis.edu/classes/ssc102/Section5.pdf