I recently read the following 3 paragraphs regarding antacids, proton pump
inhibitors, and acid blockers decreasing the absorption of vitamins, and
would appreciate any comments or info re the decreasing of vitamins in food
from using any of these products. Thanks
"...don't take antacids regularly or long terms because they can cause other
medical problems, such as kidney stones..."
"... proton pump inhibitors (such as Nexium, Prevacid, Prilosec or Aciphex).
These drugs are very effective in controlling the symptoms of GERD, but they
don't cure the problem and are very expensive. You are likely to need
additional methods of relief because these drugs don't stop all symptoms.
In addition, THE ABSORPTION OF MANY MEDICATIONS AND VITAMINS CAN BE
DECREASED WHEN YOU'RE USING THESE DRUGS." The ALL CAPS is my way of calling
your attention to the sentence I am concerned with.
"If the proton pump inhibitors don't work for you, try H2 acid blockers
(Zantac, Pepcid, Tagamet) However, because these drugs work by blocking
acid production, they can cause decreased absorption of other medications
and especially fat-soluble vitamins (A,D,E and K) and Vitamin B12."
Ed Friedman - 28 Oct 2004 22:33 GMT
> I recently read the following 3 paragraphs regarding antacids, proton pump
> inhibitors, and acid blockers decreasing the absorption of vitamins, and
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
> acid production, they can cause decreased absorption of other medications
> and especially fat-soluble vitamins (A,D,E and K) and Vitamin B12."
Unfortunately, the bad things they say are all true. Also, you can add
to that they recently have been linked to increased likelihood of
getting pneumonia. Also, at least one doctor has predicted that they
will lead to increased levels of stomach cancer (they increase gastrin,
and increased gastrin has been linked to stomach cancer).
Ed Friedman