Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

I am doing a science experiment and want to stimulate stomach acid. I was planning on using vinegar since HCl requires a ton of forms and approvals to use as be also very hazardous. Can I dilute and use vinegar instead. Any and all help is appreciated!

Hi JSN,
Stomach acid is hydrochloric and the acidity as measured by pH is 1-2. Distilled white vinegar like you can buy in the grocery store has a pH of 2.2 to 2.5, so is not as acidic as stomach acid.

What experiment are you planning to do? Vinegar may work OK--it may just take a little longer. Remember that the temperature inside your body is 98.6 degrees, so you should warm the vinegar to get a better simulation (please note the correct spelling--'simulation', not 'stimulation').

The idea behind experiments is to do some good science, not to get a particular result decided on ahead of time. So, be creative!

Let me know if this helps and if you have more questions.

Sybee

Thanks for the response! I am trying to find the calcium content of plant based foods. How long would I need to keep food dipped in white vinegar for? What about Betaine HCl pepsin capsules? Would that work to replicate stomach acid?