Something I read about B-12

I just read that anyone on Nexium and similar medicines (probably includes the Carafate and Aciphex I take) will be B-12 deficient. Does anyone know anything about that or if it is true?

When you take any PPI or H2-blocker that suppress acid production, your stomach does not properly break down the food for digestion. The result of this is that you could be vitamin or mineral deficient with not only B-12, but also others. Our bodies need the stomach acid to properly break down the food for digestion. Taking supplements may or may not help. I have found through a lot of research that a lot of doctors don't seem to be well educated in the effects of these medications and tend to try to mask the symptoms rather than finding the underlying problem and fix that. I would think that taking supplements would possibly work as long as your body is able to break down the tablet/pill properly for digestion. Another possibility could be to take the medication to control symptoms and also supplement with HCL during meals to help food properly break down and digest. It would be like controling the acid in your stomach yourself rather than letting your body choose how to do it. I hope this information helps.

Hi Uhura,

If you have a concern, ask your doctor to order blood work to check your levels.  I had heard the same thing, so asked my PCP to check.  I did not have a deficiency, and was in the high-normal level.  Just because you're on a PPI doesn't necessarily make you vitamin deficient.  It's easy to check, so if you're worried, ask to be tested.

Best wishes,

Denise 

It doesn't link to an ariticle, only to a list of several semi-related links.