Risks of Proton Pump Inhibitors

Are You Taking Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) Long-Term?
Here are 2 lesser-known risks - worth keeping in mind:

1) Nutrient Deficiencies
PPIs reduce stomach acid, which is essential for absorbing key nutrients. Long-term use may lead to:

A) Vitamin B12 deficiency (fatigue, nerve issues)
B) Magnesium deficiency (muscle cramps, arrhythmias)
C) Calcium malabsorption (increased fracture risk)

2) Higher Infection Risk
Stomach acid acts as a barrier to harmful pathogens, the high acidity killing them.
PPIs decrease stomach acidity increasing the likelihood of pathogens eg bacteria surviving the stomach.

While PPIs are effective and often necessary, they’re not without risk. Regularly reviewing the dose and duration can help minimize harm.