Quantitative evaluation of alkalinizing features of natural mineral waters of Transcarpathia

Abstract

Today latent acidosis resulting from gradual reduction of the buffer reserves of the organism is increasingly the focus of interest because of its role in the development and progression of chronic diseases and comorbidity. One of the promising prophylactic methods of alkalinizing therapy in case of chronic diseases is the correction of the acid-base balance of the body. In preventive medicine, natural mineral waters with predominance of bicarbonate in their anionic composition can be used for alkalinizing therapy. Aim. Investigation of the peculiarities of alkalinizing features of natural mineral waters with different total mineralization and composition. Materials and Methods. In vitro evaluation of natural alkalinity and alkalinizing profile of mineral waters of Transcarpathia were carried out using in vitro methods and calculation models: assessment of pH, buffering and acid-neutralizing capacity (modified after J.S. Fordtran); calculation of potential renal acid load (PRAL) using physiologically based calculation model (T. Remer & F. Manz). Results. Different types of mineral waters were investigated in the study. Due to the geological origin of their formation, almost all types of Transcarpathian mineral waters contain in their anionic composition bicarbonate. It was found that the level of pH for the majority of mineral waters lays in a neutral or slightly alkaline range. Their acid-neutralizing capacity varied from 3 to 244 mmol / 100 ml, the calculated PRAL Index values varied between + 1,57 (for mineral waters with mineralization 0,3 g/l) and - 115,6 (for mineral waters with mineralization 11,6 g/l) indicating their pronounced alkalinizing features. It was also found that PRAL negatively correlated with HCO3-, Na+, Mg++, Ca++, K+ content (p < 0.001). According to their acid-binding capacity and systemic alkalinizing effect, the studied mineral waters may be classified into two groups. Acid-buffering mineral waters with the index of acid-neutralizing capacity > 40 mmol / 100 ml and negative PRAL Index; the acid-neutralizing pH profile and alkalinizing features of these mineral waters are characteristic for those of antacids. Mineral waters with slightly expressed alkalinity with the index of acid-neutralizing capacity < 40 mmol / 100 ml and negative PRAL Index; their acid-neutralizing influence may be realized due to diluting of gastric juice; they may be used only for the preventive purposes and in cases of slight manifestations of low-grade metabolic acidosis. Conclusions. Thus, mineral waters with different content of bicarbonate and mineralization have pronounced alkalinizing features, which may be evaluated quantitatively using complex of in vitro methods and calculation model.