Use of alginates in gastroesophageal reflux disease in children – effectiveness and practical considerations: a narrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2026.59.72639Keywords
alginates, alginate therapy, gastroesophageal reflux disease, pediatric gastroenterology, gastroenterology, pediatric population, Gastroesophageal reflux disease in childrenAbstract
Background
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common condition in pediatric populations, particularly in infants, where it may significantly affect quality of life and feeding behavior. Alginates have emerged as a non-pharmacological treatment option with a favorable safety profile.
Aim
The aim of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of alginates in the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease in children and to discuss their clinical applicability.
Material and methods
A narrative review was conducted based on literature published between 2014 and 2025 identified through PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases. Emphasis was placed on pediatric studies, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.
Results
Available evidence suggests that alginate-based formulations may reduce symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in infants and children. Their mechanism of action is based on the formation of a physical barrier that prevents reflux episodes. However, the number of high-quality pediatric studies remains limited, and results are not fully consistent.
Conclusions
Alginates represent a safe and potentially effective therapeutic option for selected pediatric patients with GERD. Nevertheless, further well-designed clinical trials are required to confirm their efficacy and define their role in treatment algorithms.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Anna Janiszewska, Wiktor Kołkowski, Jan Jakubczyk, Monika Wądołowska, Magdalena Antoszewska, Maria Grabowska, Jakub Koszewski, Katarzyna Gozdera, Wiktoria Pielak, Katarzyna Oszast
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