Sorbents are substances used in the gastrointestinal tract to absorb and eliminate toxins, gases and other harmful substances. They play an important role in detoxifying the digestive system and alleviating various digestive tract problems.
Enterosorbents
Enterosorbents are a special category of preparations that are known for their ability to adsorb and eliminate toxins. The name "enterosorbent" comes from the term "sorbens". These substances can effectively bind both external (exogenous) and internal (endogenous) compounds, as well as large molecular structures in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).
How sorbents work
Direct procedure:
- Adsorption: sorbents bind molecules to their surface and other harmful substances in the lumen of the digestive organs. This process begins in the stomach and continues in the small intestine, where they also bind to food components, mucosal secretion components, digestive enzymes, regulatory peptides, microbial cells, and toxins.
- Absorption: some sorbents absorb excess fluid and gases to help manage diarrhea and reduce abdominal bloating.
- Neutralization: Sorbents can neutralize harmful toxins, making them inert and facilitating their elimination from the body.
Indirect Action:
- Suppression of toxic-allergic reactions: Sorbents help alleviate toxic-allergic reactions by reducing inflammation and relieving associated symptoms.
- Reduce the burden on detoxification organs: By removing harmful substances from the intestine, sorbents reduce the burden on the organs responsible for detoxification and elimination.
- Elimination of bloating: Sorbents help to reduce the accumulation of gas, thereby relieving abdominal discomfort and bloating.
- Improving intestinal wall trophicity: They improve the overall condition and function of the intestinal wall, promoting a cleaner and more balanced environment in the intestines.
- Improving gut microbiota: By removing harmful substances, sorbents create a healthier environment for the development of beneficial gut bacteria.
- Improved digestive function: by removing toxins and excess fluid, the overall digestive process is improved, leading to better nutrient absorption and digestive health.
- Immune system support: a clean gut reduces the burden on the immune system, allowing it to function more effectively in other areas of the body.
Main properties of enterosorbents
Enterosorbents are defined by several basic properties that determine their effectiveness:
- Sorption capacity values: this index measures the amount of substance that an enterosorbent can absorb in relation to its mass. It indicates the amount of substance an enterosorbent can hold, reflecting its effectiveness in binding toxins and other unwanted substances.
- Molecular binding capacity: Enterosorbents can bind to molecules of different sizes and weights, including bacterial substances. This versatility allows them to target a wide range of harmful substances in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Active surface: The active surface area of an enterosorbent is the total surface area of the absorbent per unit weight. A larger surface area increases the ability of the enterosorbent to interact with and capture more substances.
Classification of enterosorbents
1. Carbon enterosorbents (activated carbon):
Activated carbon, also known as activated carbon, is a form of carbon processed to have small pores with a small volume to increase the surface area available for adsorption or chemical reactions. It is widely used in a variety of applications, including medical procedures, environmental cleaning, and industrial processes. In medicine, activated carbon is commonly used as an enterosorbent due to its ability to adsorb toxins and chemicals in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby reducing their absorption into the body. It is often used in cases of drug overdose, poisoning and to relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders. They are used in acute conditions such as diarrhea and poisoning. However, their use should be limited to a maximum of three days. Prolonged or continuous use can lead to excretion of beneficial substances, nutrients and vitamins from the body and can damage the intestinal mucosa.
2. Resin-based sorbents (synthetic and natural), synthetic polymers, non-absorbable fats (cholestyramine):
Resin-based sorbents include a variety of materials including synthetic resins, natural resins, synthetic polymers, and nonabsorbable fats such as cholestyramine. These sorbents work by binding to substances in the gastrointestinal tract and preventing their absorption into the bloodstream. Cholestyramine, for example, is a drug used primarily to reduce high cholesterol levels in people with hypercholesterolemia. It works by binding to bile acids in the intestine, preventing their reabsorption and promoting their excretion from the body, thereby lowering cholesterol levels. Contraindications may include complete intestinal obstruction, severe constipation, hypersensitivity, severe electrolyte imbalance. They can interfere with the absorption of nutrients and drugs, cause gastrointestinal discomfort, and are not recommended for long-term use because of possible mucosal damage.
3. Sorbents based on fiber, lignin, pectin, etc.:
This category includes enterosorbents derived from various plant materials such as fibre, lignins, pectins and other natural compounds. These materials are known for their ability to absorb toxins, heavy metals and other harmful substances in the gastrointestinal tract. They work by trapping these substances and facilitating their elimination from the body. Fiber-based enterosorbents, for example, are commonly used to promote digestive health and relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as diarrhea and constipation. Contraindications include intestinal blockages, severe intestinal diseases (e.g. Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), hypersensitivity. May cause abdominal bloating, flatulence and constipation if not taken with sufficient fluids; may interfere with drug absorption; long-term use may affect nutrient absorption.
4. Gel enterosorbents:
Gel sorbents excel when used in the gastrointestinal tract because of their ability to provide effective relief without damaging the mucosa. They are intended for long-term use because they provide a lasting effect in the treatment of conditions such as diarrhea. These sorbents are efficiently eliminated from the body, reducing the risk of accumulation and minimising possible side effects. However, they can sometimes cause constipation, which can be managed with adequate hydration and dietary modification. In general, gel sorbents are valued for their ability to maintain digestive health and relieve specific symptoms over long periods of treatment.
5. Preparations containing two or more of the above types of enterosorbents (Ultrasorb):
Some enterosorbent preparations combine two or more types of enterosorbents to increase their effectiveness and broaden their spectrum of action. These preparations may contain a combination of activated carbon, resin-based sorbents, fibre-based materials, silicon-based compounds and other enterosorbents. By combining multiple enterosorbents, these formulations can act on a broader spectrum of toxins and substances in the gastrointestinal tract to provide comprehensive detoxifying and therapeutic effects. Contraindications include complete intestinal obstruction, severe constipation, allergy to the ingredients. It is not recommended because of the increased risk of gastrointestinal side effects, possible reduction in the effectiveness of the drug and the risk of depletion of nutrient and vitamin reserves with prolonged use.
General mechanisms of enterosorption
To understand the mechanism of action, it is best to start from the beginning of its action. As an example, consider the mechanism of action of the Enterosgel gel sorbent:
- Ingestion and activation: the process starts at the moment of ingestion of the sorbent, which begins to act immediately.
- Absorption of harmful substances: Absorption of harmful substances: Like a sponge, it passes through the digestive system and adsorbs the harmful substances it encounters along the way, starting with the mouth.
- Main action in the intestine: The main action of the gel sorbent takes place in the intestine, where it binds to toxins and undesirable substances and neutralises them.
- Complete elimination: the gel sorbent is completely eliminated from the body along with the toxins once it has done its job.
It is important to note that not all sorbents work in the same way or with the same effectiveness. By understanding how sorbents work, it is important to make informed choices when selecting a sorbent for your needs. Choose wisely based on your specific conditions and desired results.