Proton Pump Inhibitors: affecting more than just your heartburn

2014-01-31 16:22:40

Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the top 10 dispensed medications in Canada, with prescriptions that reached roughly 19 million in 2008. ⁽¹⁾ The widespread use of these drugs makes them that much more important to highlight, as they can adversely affect the health of many. Research over the past few years has brought to light numerous adverse effects of long term PPI use. From increased risk of pneumonia to acquiring Clostridium difficile infections as well as increased risk of osteoporotic fractures, ^{(2, 3)} these are just a few of the health concerns that can arise. They affect how other drugs get metabolized as well as how nutrients, such as calcium, magnesium, iron and vitamin B12, get absorbed. ^{(4, 5)} Inadequate levels of these nutrients can have significant effects on health and well-being. Insufficient calcium levels might present with neuromuscular symptoms of numbness/tingling, anxiety/depression, muscle tension, spasms or pain; low magnesium with arrhythmia, muscle weakness, spasms or cramps. Iron deficiency can present with heart palpitations, light-headedness/ dizziness, and often with generalized fatigue while B12 deficiency can present with numbness/tingling in the hands/feet, decreased cognitive function/memory issues, generalized weakness and fatigue. Most people on these medications, as well as others, aren’t forewarned about these effects and assume them to be safe and fine to take on a long term basis. The reality is medications come with side effects and almost always impact nutrient status.