Fruit salt

Fruit Salt

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Fruit salt is a type of effervescent compound used as an antacid to relieve indigestion and heartburn. It is a mixture of sodium bicarbonate, citric acid, and other ingredients that react with water to produce carbon dioxide gas, creating a fizzy solution. This effervescence helps to neutralize stomach acid and provide relief from symptoms of dyspepsia.

History

The concept of fruit salt was popularized in the 19th century by James Crossley Eno, a British pharmacist. Eno developed his own formulation, which became widely known as "Eno's Fruit Salt." The product was marketed as a remedy for various digestive ailments and gained popularity due to its effectiveness and pleasant taste.

Composition

Fruit salt typically contains the following ingredients:

• Sodium bicarbonate: Acts as a base to neutralize stomach acid.
• Citric acid: Provides the acidic component that reacts with sodium bicarbonate to produce effervescence.
• Sodium carbonate: Sometimes included to enhance the antacid effect.
• Flavoring agents: Added to improve taste, often mimicking the flavor of citrus fruits.

Mechanism of Action

When fruit salt is dissolved in water, the sodium bicarbonate reacts with the citric acid to produce carbon dioxide gas, which causes the solution to fizz. This reaction can be represented by the following chemical equation:

\[ \text{NaHCO}_3 + \text{C}_6\text{H}_8\text{O}_7 \rightarrow \text{Na}_3\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{O}_7 + \text{H}_2\text{O} + \text{CO}_2 \uparrow \]

The carbon dioxide gas produced helps to mix the solution and can aid in the mechanical breakdown of stomach contents, while the resulting solution acts to neutralize excess stomach acid, providing relief from heartburn and indigestion.

Uses

Fruit salt is primarily used to:

• Relieve symptoms of indigestion and heartburn.
• Act as a mild laxative due to its effervescent properties.
• Provide a refreshing and palatable drink that can help with hydration.

Related Pages

• Antacid
• Indigestion
• Heartburn
• Sodium bicarbonate