Are you taking medication to reduce stomach acid? Then you may have a nutrient deficiency!

Proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole and pantoprazole, are drugs that help reduce stomach acid. They are also called antacids. One of the possible side effects of these medications is that they can affect the absorption of vitamin B12 and magnesium in your body.

Taking proton pump inhibitors for several months or years could cause a vitamin B12 or magnesium deficiency. To ensure that your body can absorb enough vitamin B12 and magnesium while you are taking these medications, you may need to take extra vitamin B12 and magnesium.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. Some of the most important functions of vitamin B12 are:

• Blood formation: Vitamin B12 is essential for the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.
• Nervous System: It supports the health of the nervous system and helps form the protective layer (myelin) around nerve fibers. This is important for good nerve conduction and helps maintain neurological functions.
• DNA synthesis: Vitamin B12 is necessary for the synthesis and repair of DNA, which is crucial for cell growth and development.
• Energy production: It plays a role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, which helps in obtaining energy from food.
• Healthy cell division: Vitamin B12 is involved in maintaining healthy cell division, which is important for the renewal and growth of tissues in the body.

A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to several health problems, including anemia, neurological disorders, fatigue and weakness. It is therefore vital to get enough vitamin B12 through food or supplements to maintain good health.

Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that supports a wide range of important functions in the body. Some of the most important functions of magnesium are:

• Muscle function: Magnesium is crucial for the normal functioning of muscles. It helps muscles contract and relax, which is vital for physical activity and exercise.
• Nervous System: The mineral plays a role in the transmission of nerve impulses and helps maintain healthy nerve function. It can contribute to stress reduction and relaxation.
• Heart Health: Magnesium is involved in regulating heart rate and blood pressure. It can help prevent cardiac arrhythmias and maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.
• Bone Health: Together with calcium and vitamin D, magnesium supports bone and teeth health. It is necessary for the formation and maintenance of strong bones.
• Energy production: Magnesium plays a role in the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body's energy unit. It is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, which is necessary to generate energy.
• Immune System: The mineral is involved in supporting a healthy immune system and can help with inflammatory responses in the body.
• Regulation of enzymes: Magnesium is a cofactor for many enzymes in the body, meaning it is essential for enzymatic reactions involved in various biological processes.

A magnesium deficiency can lead to muscle cramps, fatigue, irritability, heart problems and other health problems. It is important to get enough magnesium through food or supplements to maintain good health and well-being.

Other medications can also cause deficiencies

It is important to note that omeprazole is not the only drug that can decrease nutrient absorption. Other medicines, such as Metformin (diabetes), statins (cholesterol lowering drugs) and the contraceptive pill, can also affect the absorption of certain nutrients.

Smoking and alcohol

Anyone who smokes and/or regularly drinks alcohol or eats an unhealthy diet is also at risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Taking a good multi can supplement these deficiencies.

Knowing more? Read this: https://www.ivg-info.nl/gezondheid/bij-medicijngebruik/medicijnen-en-voedingssupplementen-tegelijk-gebruiken/