Should I take supplements with antacids?

I came across a very interesting article in The Times newspaper here in the UK yesterday, something I have to say I was completely unaware of - they say you learn a new thing every day! So thought it useful to share with the wider community!

To all our American friends - wish you and your families a very happy (and GERD free) thanksgiving!

Rob

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From Dr Mark Porter MBE, Medical Correspondent, The Times
Mark is the medical correspondent at The Times, doctor on The One Show and presenter of Radio 4′s flagship medical series Inside Health. He is a familiar face to millions and one of the most experienced media medics in the UK. Since joining the BBC in 1992 he has worked across the corporation’s various media, including a 10 year stint as the Health Editor on Radio Times, and 8 years presenting Radio 4′s Case Notes

Mark spent 5 years working in hospital before moving into General Practice in 1990 where he still works today at a busy surgery in South Gloucestershire.

Mark was appointed MBE in 2005 for services to medicine.

Q&A: Should I take supplements with antacids?


Q: Last year you mentioned a common vitamin deficiency in those who take long-term antacids such as omeprazole. I am on high doses of this to control heartburn from a hiatus hernia: should I be taking supplements?


A: Actually the problem is with magnesium. It has come to light recently that people taking the proton pump inhibitor (PPI) family of antacids — such as omeprazole, lansoprazole and pantoprazole — may be at risk of magnesium deficiency because they interfere with absorption of the mineral.

The onset of deficiency tends to be insidious but symptoms include loss of energy, agitation, muscle twitches, restless legs in bed, tremor (the shakes) and nausea and vomiting. Most reported cases have been in people taking PPIs for more than a year but significant deficiency has been found after just three months of treatment. Remember, these drugs are taken by millions of people in the UK, often for years.

The regulatory authorities in the UK have recently advised doctors to consider checking magnesium levels in people on long-term PPIs but this rarely happens. The other option is to take a preventative magnesium supplement (ask your pharmacist to point you in the right direction), ideally at least 30 minutes before your antacid.
For more information on PPIs and magnesium deficiency visit www.mhra.gov.uk/Safetyinformation/DrugSafetyUpdate/CON149774

Thanks for posting this Rob.

When I mentioned magnesium deficiency to my doctor she was extremely dismissive and said she had never come across it. I think people who take PPIs are possibly unaware of the symptoms of magnesium deficiency and put it down to something else and don't report it to their doctors.

I have been on PPIs since May and as I already have osteoporosis I am anxious to get off them.

When on PPI's I didn't really exhibit any symptoms and they were working for me as far as acid reflux goes. But when I found out about other problems that can come up with long term use of them due to malabsorbtion of different vitamins and minerals I decided to stop taking them and drastically changed my diet to try to get things under control. I'm hoping that it will work out for me because even though I was able to eat whatever I wanted whenever I wanted and however much I wanted, I don't think it's worth it compared to other major problems years down the road. Plus a benefit to my new lifestyle is that I now have more energy and the grocery bill has went down a little. I now cook with fresh meats and vegetables every night after work. No more boxed meals or frozen pizzas.