pH is a reference number, from 1 to 14, used to indicate the degree of acidity or alkalinity of a solution. A solution of pH 1 is extremely acidic and one at pH 14 is extremely alkaline, or basic. The pH of most body fluids is between 6 and 8, and a pH of 7 is referred to as being "neutral." The stomach is an exception. Solutions in the stomach are in the acid range and are usually between pH 1 and 2.8.
When food is ready to leave the stomach in the form of chyme, it is at a pH between 1.5 and 2.8. Before any absorption can occur, the pH of the chyme must be altered by the body to bring it into the neutral range at about pH 6.5 to 7.0. To accomplish this, the pancreas secretes a large volume of sodium bicarbonate solution to adjust the pH. Once this secretion and some preliminary mixing has occurred, the absorption process can begin.
Isotonix solutions have a pH between 3.5 and 4.0. Since they don't stay in the stomach for very long, when they move into the small intestine, they also require sodium bicarbonate to adjust their pH, but not nearly as much. This means that Isotonix solutions are diluted very little, leading to a high concentration of nutrients at the absorption site.
Now, why not make the Isotonix pH 7.0 so no adjustment is necessary, and therefore, no dilution necessary? That would mean that there would be no sodium bicarbonate entering the lumen of the small intestine. For some vital nutrients, vitamin C for example, sodium must be present for absorption. Since the products are sodium free, they must be able to stimulate sodium secretion by the body. Keeping the pH between 3.5 and 4.0 provides this stimulus.
Overall, the pH of Isotonix is in an ideal range.
What is Isotonic?
Gastric Emptying Time
Concentration and Absorption
The Isotonic Base
Absorption
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