Best Alginate Supplements for Reflux: My Top Picks

Acid Reflux is a frustrating, never-ending cycle: burning, bloating, regurgitation…you know the drill. It brings with it other unpleasant symptoms that make you want to swap out your GI system for a new one (if only that were possible!). As more people are looking outside of prescription meds and traditional antacids, alginates have been brought to the center stage as a powerful and effective treatment option for acid reflux, GERD, and other related GI problems. 

Key Takeaways

Alginates, derived from seaweed, create a raft that keeps stomach contents from traveling back up the esophagus. My top picks for alginate-containing reflux supplements are:

1. Reflux Gourmet – Best Overall Alginate Therapy
2. Gaviscon Advance (UK version) – Most Clinical Evidence
3. Reflux Raft – Best Organic Option
4.  Refluxter – Easiest to Use
5. Esophageal Guardian – Best Combination Supplement

What Are Alginates?

Alginates are a compound derived from seaweed that is used in supplements to prevent acid reflux from happening. There are several kinds of alginates that come from different types and parts of seaweed. Though all slightly different, they provide a similar effect—they create a barrier much like a raft or lid that sits on top of the stomach’s contents to keep it from coming up the esophagus. 

Alginates work differently from antacids, which only neutralize stomach acid that comes up, whereas alginates keep the acid down entirely. This is good news for many of us who struggle with regular or off-and-on symptoms. Rather than just masking symptoms, it helps keep stomach contents where they should be and provides more natural relief, rather than chemical. This makes most alginates good for long-term management of reflux and GERD, with fewer side effects.

What To Look for In An Alginate Supplement

When shopping for an alginate supplement, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the options or wind up confused by the ingredient lists and quantities. Let’s break down what you’ll see the next time you pick up a supplement bottle.

• Type of Alginate: As I mentioned before, there are different types of alginates. The two most popular in reflux relief are sodium alginate and calcium alginate.
  • Sodium alginate: Most researched and used form of alginates, known for being highly effective; it contains a significant amount of sodium, making it undesirable for some.
  • Calcium alginate: A safer, gentler alginate that is typically less potent, but easier on the body; it is more appropriate for people with health or dietary concerns.

• Dosage: As with all supplements, the amount of alginates present in a supplement varies widely. Studies show that 500-1000mg of alginates are typically effective at creating the desired raft-like effect.

• Additional Ingredients: Many alginate supplements have other active or inactive ingredients that may assist in providing relief.
  • Ingredients to look for: Xanthan gum or mannitol (stabilizes the raft), DGL (reduces inflammation), and slippery elm or marshmallow root (encourages healing of mucous membranes in the GI tract).
  • Ingredients to avoid: Artificial dyes, parabens, synthetic preservatives, added sugars, and alcohol-based ingredients.

• Supplement Form: Consider how you prefer to take the alginate supplement. If your throat is already burning, you may not want to swallow a liquid, or if you feel food coming back up, you may not want a capsule. Choose a product that you can (and will) use while symptoms are occurring. Most alginate therapies come in a gel, capsule, or tablet form, providing consumers with various options for relief.
  • Liquid or gel forms are typically faster-acting and work better for pre-bedtime relief. 
  • Chewable tablets are easily portable for on-the-go usage, but may have more additives than other forms. 
  • Capsules may also require more ingredients to stabilize, but are perhaps the most convenient, though they are not as fast-acting as gels or chewable tablets.

• Cost: The cost per serving and its related benefits can play a significant role in supplement choice. Consider how often you intend to use the supplement and whether or not it will replace other medications or supplements. Some alginate therapy supplements may have a greater upfront cost, but may reduce the need for other medications or supplements, thus reducing other incurred costs

Now that you know what you’re looking for, let’s dive into the best supplements for reflux.

Alginates Ranked: Best Supplement for Acid Reflux

1. Reflux Gourmet – Best Overall Alginate Therapy

Reflux Gourmet offers a gel supplement available in two flavors, Mint Chocolate and Vanilla Caramel, and customers love the flavor options. They’re not your typical berry or chalky-flavored remedies, which makes them easier to swallow when swallowing may be hard. 

It was created by ENT doctors and flavored by a chef to offer a more natural option for reflux relief. It contains a proprietary 425 mg alginate complex with sodium alginate to create the alginate raft, and sodium bicarbonate to provide additional relief by neutralizing stomach acid. Though it contains sodium, it is on the lower end, with only 40 mg or about 2% of the recommended daily intake. Its ingredients are all natural and free of parabens, glycerin, and potassium.

It’s my top all-around choice for chronic or temporary reflux, LPR, and GERD, and costs $26 per bottle on Amazon.

2. Gaviscon Advance (UK version) – Most Clinical Evidence

Gaviscon Advance is a long-time favorite for many reflux sufferers. It has been around a lot longer than most other alginate therapy options, thus providing more opportunity for clinical testing and evaluation. Test results and happy customers tout its effectiveness. 

It comes in two flavors, aniseed and peppermint. The catch? The alginate-containing Gaviscon Advance is no longer sold in the US. It is still available in the UK and other countries, but customers have reported that it is difficult to import into the States, even if you can buy it elsewhere. I wanted to include it here anyway, in case you do come across a bottle (and for any overseas friends who might be reading this!) 

It’s available as a liquid in both flavors or in a peppermint-flavored tablet. The liquid’s active ingredients include potassium hydrogen carbonate and 1000 mg sodium alginate, and the tablet has a smaller amount of sodium alginate (500 mg), more appropriate for those wanting to lower their sodium intake. 

It’s a tried-and-true supplement that works for those who can find it.

3. Reflux Raft – Best Organic Option

Reflux Raft is a newer product, developed in 2020 as an organic reflux relief option. It comes in gel form in Berry Burst and Lemon Ginger flavors. They also offer a PM version of the product that includes melatonin for better sleep. The flavors and effectiveness get mixed feedback from consumers, but customers for whom it works tend to like it.

It contains an alginate blend of 425 mg with sodium alginate, sodium and potassium bicarbonate, DGL, ginger, and calcium carbonate to fight and prevent reflux symptoms. It is more ingredient-heavy than other options, which some may appreciate, while others may prefer the simplicity of Reflux Gourmet or other competitors. However, it only has 20 mg of sodium or 1% of the recommended daily amount.

It’s available on Amazon for $33 and is a great choice if you like the flavor and added ingredients (I know melatonin can be polarizing). 

4. Refluxter – Easiest to Use

Refluxter provides alginate therapy in capsule form, which can make it easier to take than liquid or chewable forms, though it can take a bit longer to work. Since it is a capsule, Refluxter is unflavored as well. 

It has a short ingredient list that includes sodium alginate, calcium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate as active ingredients with the highest alginate complex concentration of 1400 mg (1.4g). It has 164 mg of sodium or 7% of the recommended daily value, making it higher in sodium than both Reflux Gourmet and Reflux Raft.

It’s a solid choice for those wanting a capsule form with a high amount of alginates, and is found on Amazon for $30. 

5. Esophageal Guardian – Best Combination Supplement

Esophageal Guardian, by the brand Life Extension, is the only supplement on this list that comes in a chewable tablet. Like Reflux Raft, it offers several active ingredients that work together in a multi-faceted approach. These include 1000 mg alginic acid, as well as calcium and magnesium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and mannitol. It’s also the only sodium-free option listed here.

It’s certified non-GMO and comes in a berry flavor. I’ve heard mixed reviews about the palatability of the tablet, with some users saying it’s not too bad, while others say that it’s quite unpleasant. I’m guessing that if you’re ok with other chewables, you’ll probably be fine.  

It costs $24 on Amazon and is a good option for a chewable supplement that provides immediate relief.   

My Final Verdict?

It’s hard to go wrong with alginate therapy. Each of these products offers varying amounts of alginates in their supplements, and all create the raft-like barrier that stops reflux in its tracks. Much of the choice between these supplements comes down to whether you prefer a gel, capsule, or chewable tablet. 

If form doesn’t matter and relief is your main focus, I recommend starting with Reflux Gourmet. Its gel texture, natural ingredients, and alginate concentration make it a fast-acting form of relief. Plus, it actually tastes good. If you prefer not to drink your supplements, try Refluxter or Esophageal Guardian for solid options.