Abstract:
Habitual intake of alcohol is associated with health complications including depletion of the body’s stores of
magnesium and calcium. In chronic alcoholism, treatment with magnesium and calcium has shown to normalize
elevated enzyme activities and clinically relevant parameters. This study examined the effects of Maalox plus®
antacid and PureCal® calcium which are rich in magnesium and calcium, respectively, on the haematological and
biochemical profiles of rats exposed to acute alcohol intoxication. Alcohol was administered orally at a dosage 5 g/kg
body weight for five days and supplements for two days of the week in duration of 28 days. Haematological and
biochemical profiles were determined using automated analyzer. Statistical comparison was done using one way
ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test. Alcohol caused neutrophilia, eosinophilia and basopenia. Maalox plus® and
PureCal® were ineffective against neutrophilia but effective in normalizing eosinophilia. Basopenia was normalized
by 4.25 mg/kg magnesium and calcium at 4.25 mg/kg and 8.5 mg/kg. Macrocytic anaemia was another alcohol
disorder that was reversed by Maalox plus® and PureCal® except in animals given 8.5 mg/kg Mg and those co
treated with Ca and Mg. The alcohol induced thrombocytopenia was unaffected by the drugs. Alcohol did not
significantly affect liver enzymes, lipids, creatinine and BUN levels. However, the drugs lowered BUN levels in
animals given 8.5 mg/kg Mg, 4.25 mg/kg calcium and those co-treated with calcium and magnesium. Alcohol did not
influence serum levels of Mg2+ but it significantly increased Ca2+ and lowered K+. Maalox plus® and PureCal®
normalized the hypercalcemia in a dose-dependent manner. Alcohol induced hypokalemia was normalized by 4.25
mg/kg Mg and 17 mg mg/kg Ca. Maalox plus® and PureCal® had alleviated the alcohol induced adverse effects.
These findings suggest that the drugs are useful agents that could have applications in the management of adverse
effects associated with acute alcohol intoxication.
Description:
Habitual intake of alcohol is associated with health complications including depletion of the body’s stores of
magnesium and calcium. In chronic alcoholism, treatment with magnesium and calcium has shown to normalize
elevated enzyme activities and clinically relevant parameters. This study examined the effects of Maalox plus®
antacid and PureCal® calcium which are rich in magnesium and calcium, respectively, on the haematological and
biochemical profiles of rats exposed to acute alcohol intoxication. Alcohol was administered orally at a dosage 5 g/kg
body weight for five days and supplements for two days of the week in duration of 28 days. Haematological and
biochemical profiles were determined using automated analyzer. Statistical comparison was done using one way
ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test. Alcohol caused neutrophilia, eosinophilia and basopenia. Maalox plus® and
PureCal® were ineffective against neutrophilia but effective in normalizing eosinophilia. Basopenia was normalized
by 4.25 mg/kg magnesium and calcium at 4.25 mg/kg and 8.5 mg/kg. Macrocytic anaemia was another alcohol
disorder that was reversed by Maalox plus® and PureCal® except in animals given 8.5 mg/kg Mg and those co
treated with Ca and Mg. The alcohol induced thrombocytopenia was unaffected by the drugs. Alcohol did not
significantly affect liver enzymes, lipids, creatinine and BUN levels. However, the drugs lowered BUN levels in
animals given 8.5 mg/kg Mg, 4.25 mg/kg calcium and those co-treated with calcium and magnesium. Alcohol did not
influence serum levels of Mg2+ but it significantly increased Ca2+ and lowered K+. Maalox plus® and PureCal®
normalized the hypercalcemia in a dose-dependent manner. Alcohol induced hypokalemia was normalized by 4.25
mg/kg Mg and 17 mg mg/kg Ca. Maalox plus® and PureCal® had alleviated the alcohol induced adverse effects.
These findings suggest that the drugs are useful agents that could have applications in the management of adverse
effects associated with acute alcohol intoxication.