Applications, Risks, and More for Bismuth
Table of Contents
Summary
The chemical element bismuth (Bi) has an atomic number of 83. Typically, bismuth is found in supplements as bismuth subsalicylate or another salt form.
Read More: Bismuth Powder
It appears that gastrointestinal issues including diarrhea and stomach ulcers can be prevented by using bismuth salts. Additionally, bismuth salts can be used as an antacid for conditions like dyspepsia. Additionally, bismuth may hasten blood coagulation.
Bismuth is frequently used to treat stomach ulcers, traveler’s diarrhea, and Helicobacter pylori, an infection of the digestive tract that can cause ulcers. It is also claimed to treat bleeding, constipation, and a host of other ailments; however, there isn’t any solid scientific proof to back up these additional applications.
There are several salt types in which bismuth supplements can be found. There is one particular kind of bismuth nitrate that cannot be used in dietary supplements. on further information, see the entry on bismuth nitrate.
Uses and Efficiency?
Most Likely to Work for
diarrheal illness among travelers. Diarrhea in travelers can be effectively treated and prevented with bismuth subsalicylate.
Potentially Beneficial for
a stomach virus known as Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, which can cause ulcers. Oral bismuth supplementation with conventional antibiotics may enhance Helicobacter pylori healing.
stomach sores. It appears that oral bismuth subsalicylate, either in combination with other therapies or on its own, can both cure and prevent stomach ulcers.
Numerous more uses for bismuth are being investigated, but not enough solid data is available to determine whether or not these uses might benefit from it.
Adverse Repercussions
When taken orally, most people should be safe using bismuth subgallate and bismuth subsalicylate when taking them as prescribed. Short-term usage of other types of bismuth salts may be safe. When used at quantities of 400–2100 mg daily for up to 56 days, bismuth salts, such as ranitidine bismuth citrate, colloidal bismuth subcitrate, and bismuth subnitrate, seem to be safe.
Because of the possibility of renal failure and nerve damage, bismuth may be harmful at higher doses and longer-term usage.
Particular Safety Measures and Alerts
When taken orally, most people should be safe using bismuth subgallate and bismuth subsalicylate when taking them as prescribed. Short-term usage of other types of bismuth salts may be safe. When used at quantities of 400–2100 mg daily for up to 56 days, bismuth salts, such as ranitidine bismuth citrate, colloidal bismuth subcitrate, and bismuth subnitrate, seem to be safe.
Because of the possibility of renal failure and nerve damage, bismuth may be harmful at higher doses and longer-term usage.
Breastfeeding and pregnancy: It is not possible to determine whether using bismuth while pregnant or nursing is safe due to a lack of trustworthy information. Remain cautious and refrain from using.
Children: When given orally for a brief period of time, bismuth subgallate and bismuth subsalicylate are probably safe. The US FDA has authorized bismuth subgallate for use as a deodorant in children at least 12 years old when taken orally up to four times a day in doses of 200–400 mg. The US FDA has approved the oral administration of 1.05 grams of bismuth subsalicylate hourly as needed (maximum 4.2 grams daily) for up to two days in cases of diarrhea in children aged 12 years or older. To determine whether additional bismuth salts are safe for kids to consume, there isn’t enough trustworthy information available. When used orally, bismuth may be harmful in high or prolonged doses.
Allergy to salicylate: Bismuth subsalicylate, a bismuth salt, is a common ingredient in bismuth supplements. In the stomach, bismuth subsalicylate is broken down to produce bismuth and salicylate. Individuals who are susceptible to salicylate may get severe adverse effects from these supplements.
Conditions relating to the gastrointestinal tract (GI): Normally, the gut absorbs very little bismuth. However, some gastrointestinal disorders may enhance the absorption of bismuth. This might make bismuth’s negative effects worse.
Dosage
Adults have typically taken 300–2000 mg of bismuth salts orally, split into 2-4 doses, for a maximum of 8 weeks. To find out what dosage could be appropriate for a particular disease, see a healthcare professional.
