Scientific evidence shows that calcium can be an effective bone builder, especially when combined with vitamin D3 and vitamin K. 21,22 If you are taking a proton pump inhibitor, make sure you avoid a calcium deficiency by supplementing with a high-quality, bio-available calcium to offset the depletion of this mineral. 20 This elevated risk of osteoporosis is connected to the drastic drop in calcium absorption while on these medications. Increased Risk of FracturesДЄ 2011 meta-analysis study in The Annals of Family Medicine reported that high doses or long-term usage of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been linked to an increased risk of osteoporosis-related fractures of any type, including wrist, spine, and hip. Consider talking to your doctor and at the very least take a blood test (Complete Blood Count, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel) to check for nutrient deficiencies. You can offset these damaging effects by supplementing to provide some protection against these deficiencies. It is evident that the lack of stomach acid has far-reaching effects that extend well beyond the digestive system.

The absorption of zinc is impaired, which is needed for many enzyme reactions in the body.

Your absorption of folic acid is inhibited, disrupting the production of new cells, which helps your body grow and repair itself.

Proton pump inhibitors are thought to inhibit active transport of magnesium in the intestine, leading to deficiencies and potentially serious health outcomes.

ItвЂ™s well known that calcium is best absorbed in the presence of acid.

The inhibition of dietary iron can contribute to anemia over a long period of time.

Proton pump inhibitors not only block the release of stomach acid but also something else called вЂњintrinsic factor,вЂќ making it impossible to absorb vitamin B12.

11 Due to the alteration in pH balance in your gut, the absorption of other nutrients is possibly at risk as well.

9,10 This ultimately leads to deficiencies in key nutrients, such as vitamin B12, iron, calcium, magnesium, folic acid, and zinc.

However, the continual reduction of stomach acid through medicines like proton pump inhibitors hinders digestion and absorption of key nutrients. Drugs like Prilosec В® inhibit the release of stomach acid and provide some relief. When the sphincter valve at the end of your esophagus fails to close properly, stomach contents including stomach acid leaks back up into the esophagus, damaging the delicate esophageal lining, causing heartburn. Stomach acid plays an important role in the digestion of your food and nutrients. 3-8 Role of Stomach Acid in Nutrient Absorption Unfortunately, long-term use has been linked to nutritional deficiencies, bone fractures, an increased risk of bacterial infection, and even withdrawal symptoms. 2 They are the most powerful acid secretion inhibitors available today. 1 Prilosec В®, Nexium В®, Protonix В®, and Aciphex В® are known as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Are there any long-term health complications to this approach and can you suggest any steps I can take to avoid these side effects?ДЄ: Heartburn medications are among the most frequently prescribed medicines in the US with sales exceeding $13.5 billion annually. My doctor has prescribed Prilosec В® indefinitely, which is beyond the maximum recommended window of 8 to 12 weeks. Q: I have suffered with acid reflux for many years.

Danger of acid relux