Long-term intake of antacid drugs , commonly used for gastritis and for gastroesophageal reflux disease , seems to be linked to vitamin B12 deficiency .
Antiacids are commonly used to neutralize stomach acid and are an important tool to reduce the symptoms and damage due to gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease .
Unfortunately, a new study published from the journal JAMA , conducted on a sample of large size, highlights the downside about the long-term use of these medicines.
The long-term intake, for 2 years or more, of antacids, including a standard PPI ( proton pump inhibitors ) seems to be associated with vitamin B12 deficiency .
The lowering of gastric acidity may in fact be one of the causes of malabsorption of vitamin B12, which is essential for the health of the nervous system.
The deficiency of Vitamin B12 is normally widespread in the population , especially in the elderly.
This study , however, showed a significant association between long-term use of antacids and vitamin B12 deficiency in women and young people, identifying a new group at risk.
This association has " regressed " as a result of the interruption of antacid use .
The vitamin B12 deficiency , if untreated, can lead to dementia, neurological damage, pernicious anemia and other complications, sometimes fatal . In case of pregnancy it is also likely to have very dangerous effects on the unborn child.
In addition to a careful vigilance by clinicians, it is therefore essential a correct information of patients, because a very large number of people use antiacids, some of which are available without a prescription of clinicians.
Finally , we recall the dietary sources of Vitamin B12: it is in all foods of animal origin in small quantities, particularly in liver, meat, fish, in milk and eggs.
For this reason, vitamin B12 deficiency is common in those who practice a strict vegetarian or vegan diet, case in which dietary supplements of Vitamin B12 are necessary.
Its minimum daily requirement , normally covered by a balanced diet, is at least 2 mg per day.
Sources:
Ellis, M. (2013 , December 11). " Long-term antacid use linked to vitamin B12 deficiency . " Medical News Today. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270007 .
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