Statistical Analysis of Magnesium and Aluminum Ion Concentrations in Antacid Samples from Rural Areas of Rajkot
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Abstract
Over-the-counter (OTC) antacids are commonly used for self-medication in rural areas of Rajkot to manage acidity and indigestion. However, the composition of these antacids, particularly their Magnesium (Mg²⁺) and Aluminum (Al³⁺) ion concentrations, plays a crucial role in their effectiveness and potential health implications. This study aims to analyze the elemental composition of selected antacid samples using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) to quantify Mg²⁺ and Al³⁺ concentrations in mg/kg.
A descriptive statistical analysis was performed to assess the variation in Mg and Al content across different samples, including measures such as mean, standard deviation, range, and median. Additionally, a correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between Mg and Al concentrations, providing insights into possible formulation trends in commercially available antacids. The study also presents graphical representations of the obtained data to enhance understanding of the elemental composition of antacids used in rural self-medication.
The findings from this study are valuable in evaluating the quality and consistency of OTC antacids and their potential effects on consumer health. Understanding the balance between Mg and Al in antacid formulations is essential, as excessive consumption of either component can lead to side effects such as diarrhea (Mg-based) or constipation (Al-based). This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on self-medication practices and highlights the importance of monitoring elemental composition in OTC pharmaceutical products to ensure safe and effective use.
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