Gaviscon Extra Strength Antacid Soothing Icy Mint 340.0 ML
Analysis updated July 2026 · How Scout scores
At a glance
Summary
This antacid contains beneficial ingredients like sodium alginate and calcium carbonate, which help in reducing acid reflux and providing digestive relief. However, the presence of saccharin sodium, an artificial sweetener with potential health concerns, and unspecified flavoring agents detracts from its overall formulation quality. The product also includes several additives, which contribute to its moderate processing level.
Key ingredients 12
Sodium AlginateGood
Sodium Alginate is a natural polysaccharide derived from brown seaweed. It is used as a thickening agent and has the ability to form a gel-like barrier in the stomach, which can help reduce acid reflux. It is considered safe and beneficial for digestive health.
Benefits
Helps reduce acid reflux by forming a protective barrier in the stomach.
Edetate DisodiumNeutral
Edetate Disodium is a chelating agent used to bind metal ions in pharmaceutical formulations. It helps stabilize the product by preventing metal-catalyzed degradation. It is generally considered safe in small amounts.
GlycerinNeutral
Glycerin is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and humectant in food and pharmaceuticals. It is generally recognized as safe and has a low glycemic index. It helps maintain moisture in products.
Risks
Excessive consumption may cause digestive discomfort.
Benefits
Helps maintain moisture and improve texture in formulations.
Simethicone EmulsionNeutral
Simethicone is an anti-foaming agent used to reduce bloating and discomfort caused by excess gas. It is generally considered safe and effective for this purpose. It works by decreasing the surface tension of gas bubbles, allowing them to combine and be expelled more easily.
Benefits
Effective in relieving symptoms of bloating and gas.
Sorbitol SolutionNeutral
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sweetener and humectant. It is less caloric than sugar and has a lower glycemic index. It is generally recognized as safe but can cause digestive issues in large amounts.
Risks
May cause digestive discomfort, such as bloating and diarrhea, when consumed in large quantities.
Benefits
Provides sweetness with fewer calories and a lower glycemic impact than sugar.
WaterNeutral
Water is used as a solvent and carrier in many formulations. It is essential for dissolving and distributing other ingredients evenly. It is a neutral component with no direct health impact.
Benefits
Essential for dissolving and distributing other ingredients.
Xanthan GumNeutral
Xanthan Gum is a polysaccharide used as a thickening and stabilizing agent. It is produced by fermentation and is generally recognized as safe. It helps improve texture and consistency in products.
Risks
May cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals when consumed in large amounts.
Benefits
Improves texture and consistency in formulations.
Calcium CarbonateNeutral
Standard formulation ingredient — neither beneficial nor harmful at typical use.
Risks
Excessive intake may lead to hypercalcemia and kidney stones.
Benefits
Provides essential calcium for bone health and acts as an effective antacid.
Aluminum HydroxideNeutral
Aluminum Hydroxide is used as an antacid to neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn. It is effective for short-term relief but should be used with caution due to potential long-term health concerns. It is generally considered safe when used as directed.
Risks
Long-term use may lead to aluminum accumulation and associated health concerns.
Benefits
Effective in neutralizing stomach acid and providing relief from heartburn.
Benzyl AlcoholBad
Processed additive flagged under Scout's ingredient doctrine.
Risks
Potential skin irritant and may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
FlavorBad
Flavor is a catch-all term that can include a variety of artificial and natural flavoring agents. The lack of specificity makes it difficult to assess the health impact. Artificial flavors can sometimes contain additives that may not be beneficial to health.
Risks
Potential inclusion of artificial additives that may cause allergic reactions or other health concerns.
Saccharin SodiumBad
Saccharin Sodium is an artificial sweetener that is much sweeter than sugar. It has been controversial due to past studies linking it to cancer in lab animals, though it is considered safe for human consumption by regulatory agencies. Its artificial nature and potential health concerns make it less desirable.
Risks
May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals and has been linked to health concerns in past studies.
Benefits
Provides sweetness without calories, which can be beneficial for weight management.
Processing
Processed Foods
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