[SUMMARY] [PURPOSE]To provide an absorbent core that can promote and/or inhibit gelling, and an absorbent article comprising it.[SOLUTION MEANS]An absorbent core comprising a gelling agent that contains a polysaccharide capable of thickening in the presence of a polyvalent metal ion, a substance that can supply a polyvalent metal ion, and an organic acid and/or polyvalent metal ion scavenger.