Stomach Meds and Vitamin B12
Greetings!
An interesting article came across our desk the other day regarding the absorption of vitamin B12 and the medications used to treat GERD (gastric esophageal reflux disease).
We know that B12 is already poorly absorbed from the gut. The best forms of B12 are injectable, as they are most readily incorporated into our system, but that’s not very practical.
You might remember Grandma getting injections at her doctor visits for low energy.
The newest culprit is the widespread use of “proton pump inhibitors”. These are the Tagamet, Prilosec medications that are now available over the counter.
Many folks take these medications occasionally for “stomach acid” but their regular use is the real problem here.
Proton pump inhibitors work by disabling a chemical process in the stomach, decreasing acid. But the acidic environment also allows for the absorption of B12 and other important nutrients.
A slowly developing deficit of B12 can lead to what is termed “pernicious anemia” and its downstream consequences.
These consequences include … of course….neuropathy, as well as other unwanted conditions. Make sure that you’re getting enough B12 and that it’s absorbing well enough too.
If you need these stomach meds every now and then, don’t worry too much. But, if they are part of a daily regimen, then have your doctor test your B12 blood level at your next check-up. It’s cheap and easy.
Almost everything has consequences that are unintended. Don’t let your “fix” for a sensitive stomach cause further problems to your health.
Yours in health,
Your Friends at NeuraVite