Messi Biology states that magnesium carbonate, as an antacid buffer in veterinary drugs, not only effectively neutralizes stomach acid and alleviates gastrointestinal discomfort but also aids in the stability and absorption of other drugs. With its high safety, mild action, and good palatability, it is widely used in gastrointestinal drugs and nutritional supplements for livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and ruminants.
1. Relieving Stress Reactions Caused by Excessive Stomach Acid in Animals
In intensive farming environments, animals often experience abnormal increases in stomach acid secretion due to changes in feed, environmental stress, and pathogen infections, especially in ruminant or monogastric animals such as pigs, cattle, and sheep. Excessive stomach acid can damage the gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to problems such as anorexia, indigestion, gastritis, and even gastric ulcers.
As a weakly alkaline compound, magnesium carbonate, upon entering the stomach, can react with stomach acid to produce magnesium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide, thereby neutralizing stomach acid, reducing the acidity of the gastric contents, and alleviating adverse reactions caused by excessive stomach acid.
2. Improving Gastrointestinal Tolerance and Assisting in the Treatment of Digestive System Diseases
Magnesium carbonate is often compounded in veterinary drugs used to treat digestive system diseases (such as gastritis, gastric ulcers, and stress-induced diarrhea) to improve the animal’s gastrointestinal tolerance to the drugs, reduce drug irritation to the gastric mucosa, enhance efficacy, and reduce side effects. For example, compounding magnesium carbonate in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs for livestock and poultry can reduce drug-induced stomach discomfort.
3. Buffering Action Stabilizes Gastric pH, Facilitating the Absorption of Other Drugs
Certain veterinary drugs, such as oxytetracycline, lincomycin, and penicillin-based drugs, are prone to degradation in the strongly acidic environment of the stomach, affecting absorption and efficacy. Magnesium carbonate, by buffering the pH of gastric juice, can provide a more stable environment for these drugs, improving their bioavailability and enhancing treatment effectiveness. This effect is particularly important in the design of enteric-coated or sustained-release formulations.
3. A Milder Antacid, Not Affecting Gastric Emptying and Normal Digestion
Compared to other strong alkaline substances (such as sodium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide), magnesium carbonate has a mild reaction, produces non-toxic products, and has less interference with the physiological function of the gastrointestinal tract. It can effectively neutralize stomach acid without easily causing delayed gastric emptying or alkalosis, making it suitable for long-term use in animal health care or as an adjunct treatment during disease recovery.