Tums is an antacid made of sucrose (sugar) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline in St. Louis, Missouri, US. They are also available in a sugar-free version. It is an over-the-counter drug, available at many retail stores, including drug stores, grocery stores, and mass merchandisers. It provides relief from heartburn and indigestion (“sour stomach”).
Tums come in a variety of formulations, and they change over time. You may have older products at home that differ from those currently sold. Be sure to read the product instructions for the formulation you intend to use, and make sure that the product isn’t past its expiration date.
Tums have hard chews, soft chews, and a smooth dissolve formula. Tums is also available in a variety of strengths. Regular strength has 500 milligrams of calcium carbonate, extra strength has 750 milligrams, and ultra-strength has 1000 milligrams.3
At one time they marketed a Tums Dual Action, which contained a combination of calcium carbonate, famotidine, and magnesium hydroxide.
What is constipation?
Constipation is a condition in which a person has uncomfortable or infrequent bowel movements. Generally, a person is considered to be constipated when bowel movements result in the passage of small amounts of hard, dry stool, usually fewer than three times a week. However, normal stool elimination may consist of having a bowel movement three times a day or three times a week; it depends on the person.
About 4 million people in the United States have frequent constipation. Constipation is the most common gastrointestinal complaint, resulting in 2.5 million doctor visits annually.
Hard, dry stools are the result of the colon absorbing too much water. Normally, as food moves through the colon (also known as the large intestine) the colon absorbs water while forming stool (waste products). Muscle contractions then push the stool toward the rectum, and, by the time the stool reaches the rectum, most of the water has been absorbed, making the stool solid.
When the colon’s muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, the stool moves through the colon too slowly, resulting in too much water being absorbed.
Do Tums cause constipation?
Yes, Tums can cause constipation because it is a calcium-containing antacid. Increased levels of calcium in the bloodstream often lead to constipation. The calcium carbonate in Tums is a basic compound that is used to neutralize gastric acid. Gastric acid is present in our stomachs for a few reasons. It is the main component in digestion and breaking down our foods. Without it, we would not be able to absorb the vitamins and minerals essential for the body to function. The constant neutralization of this acid puts you at a higher risk of vitamin deficiencies which results in symptoms such as fatigue, constipation, muscle weakness, and pain.
In addition, gastric acid is the body’s first line of defense against harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and pathogens. By reducing it, you are making yourselves more susceptible to infections. Tums, as mentioned, also contain calcium which is absorbed into the body. Although calcium is vital for the bones and overall good health, too much calcium is dangerous and can lead to heart and kidney problems. Some symptoms of increased calcium in the body include palpitations, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, headaches, constipation, abdominal pain, fatigue, increased thirst, and frequent urination.
Antacids are typically safe for most people. However, people with certain medical conditions should talk with their doctors before taking certain antacids that contain aluminum hydroxide and magnesium carbonate.
For example, people with heart failure may have sodium restrictions to help decrease fluid buildup. However, antacids often contain a lot of sodium. These people should ask their doctor before using antacids.
People with kidney failure may develop a buildup of aluminum after using antacids. This can lead to aluminum toxicity. People with kidney failure also tend to have problems with electrolyte balance. All antacids contain electrolytes, which could make electrolyte balance problems worse.
Talk to your child’s doctor before giving your child antacids. Children don’t typically develop symptoms of excess stomach acid, so their symptoms could be related to another condition.
Conclusion
Calcium-containing antacids like Tums tend to promote constipation; magnesium-containing antacids like Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia promote looser feces while aluminum-based antacids reduce gastric motility and delay gastric emptying.
