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What pH is the stomach?

Published in Stomach Acidity 2 mins read

The stomach's pH is typically very acidic, ranging from 1.5 to 3.5.

The stomach's acidic environment is vital for the digestion process, specifically to break down food and kill harmful bacteria. This acidity is primarily due to the hydrochloric acid (HCl) produced by the parietal cells in the stomach lining.

Stomach pH Explained

Characteristic Details
Normal pH Range 1.5 to 3.5
Acidity Source Hydrochloric acid (HCl) produced by parietal cells
Purpose Aids in digestion by breaking down food and destroying harmful pathogens
Volume of fluid 20 to 100 mL (This volume can vary)
  • Why is Stomach Acidity Important?

    • It helps in the initial breakdown of proteins.
    • It activates pepsin, an enzyme that further aids in protein digestion.
    • It kills harmful bacteria and other pathogens, preventing infections.
  • Variations in Stomach pH:

    • The exact pH can vary based on factors like recent meals, time of day, and individual health conditions.
    • Measuring the pH is sometimes done as part of testing for stomach acid production levels.
  • Clinical Relevance:

    • Abnormal pH levels can be a sign of certain medical issues.
    • Too little acid might result in incomplete digestion and nutrient absorption.
    • Too much acid can contribute to issues like ulcers and acid reflux.

It is important to note that the reference indicates, "Normal value ranges may vary slightly depending on the lab doing the test".