PPIs are one of the most common class of drugs used in the world. Over the last few years, we have realized that the medications are mostly free of major side effects which have fueled their immense popularity and brought them to the consumer as OTC medication (omeprazole branded as prilosec, and lansoprazole branded as Prevacid). As a GI practioner most of my patients are on these medication for one of the following reasons – GERD or reflux, gastric/duodenal ulcer, and Barretts esophagus.
Recently I came across an article published in JAMA about the potential of b12 deficiency from this class of medication.
In summary the findings from the study were :
- Use of PPI for 2 or more years was associated with a subsequent new diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency. The magnitude of the association was stronger in women and younger age groups
Based on this large study, I recommend :
1. Take B12 supplements 1-2 in a week with extra calcium and magnesium supplements which also have shown to get depleted with long term use of PPI.
2. B12 serum levels in patient at high risk, and assess for symptoms of B12 deficiency (dementia, neurologic damage, anemia)
If you have any questions please call me 281-557-2527 or schedule an appointment.
Follow
No comment