Proton pump inhibitors (Prevacid, et al.) and calcium absorption

[Traveler]

During the week of Dec. 24, 2006, a study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, shows that older people who take heartburn drugs like Prevacid, Prilosec, have a significantly increased risk of hip fractures, possibly because the drugs block calcium absorption.

I have been on these drugs for 5 years for reflux and am having more back and hip pain lately. This really frightens me and I have asked my doctor for a bone density test. Has anyone else had experience with the long term use of these drugs? Did you have bone loss and/or fractures and did you stop taking the the drugs? How did you manage the stomach/reflux issues?

Traveler

[annelb]

Here is a link to the JAMA abstract that you mentioned http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=17190895&query_hl=1&itool=pubmed_docsum

I certainly think that if you have been on these drugs for 5 years, you should ask for a bone density. You may want to carry this abstract(or the article if you can get it) to your doctor.

Many of us on the Gluten Sensitivity/Celiac Disease forum here on BT have found that our heartburn and GERD disappeared on a gluten free(GF) diet. I am not saying that a GF will help everyone, but it should be considered. I use to take Pepcid once or twice a day and slept with the head of my bed elevated. My doctor told me it was from a hiatal hernia. After going GF I can now sleep flat and threw out all my Pepcid. My son also mentioned that his heartburn has disappeared after starting a GF diet.

Giving up foods that may be causing or contributing to reflux is always safe. The trick is to find the foods - that is not always easy.

PPI's can also interfere with B12 absorption. You may want to get your B12 level checked. Be sure to get a copy of the report as "normal" may be far from "optimal". The Vitamin Deficience forum has some great info on B12 by Rose.

I recently posted a list of drugs that deplete vitamins http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/showthread.php?t=6874

Wish you better health for 2007,
Anne

[Traveler]

Thanks so much. This information is very helpful. I had the bone density test today and will hear in about a week. Yes, I am pretty sure I was B12 deficient and upon getting Rose's advice, starting taking Methyl B12 several months ago because of numbness and tingling sensations in my right hand. It did help and I noticed it also had a calming effect.

My niece suggested seveal weeks ago that I might try a gluten free diet for reflux and I sort of brushed it off. She said she has been helped by a GF diet. I think its time I took a hard look at this. I also have Parkinson's. Could this also be related? Thanks to all.

Traveler

[annelb]

Glad that you got that bone scan - hope the results look good.

Your neice sounds like a smart gal :cool: Certainly a GF diet is not toxic as so many medications are. Hope you come over to the Gluten Sensitivity/Celiac Disease forum and check us out.

Gluten sensitivity can be related to ataxia and other neurological problems.

Anne

[Traveler]

The bone density test came back normal--which is good news.

Traveler

[annelb]

Glad to hear the bone density test was good.

Parkinsons - Yes there is some info that gluten sensitivity and PD can be related but much of that info in anectdotal. I know of one post on another forum where someone said all the PD symptoms resolved with a GF diet. What are your symptoms? There is much evicence that cerebellar ataxia can be related to gluten exposure.

You may want to get a vitamin D check - everyone should get a vitamin D level done.

One supplement that may help(not proven yet) is coQ10 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=17192765&query_hl=13&itool=pubmed_docsum

Are you going to take your neice's advice and try a GF diet? If so, you have to make it an honest trial and even eliminate the hidden gluten.

Anne

[Ted Hutchinson]

Parkinsons - ....snip......
You may want to get a vitamin D check - everyone should get a vitamin D level done. I hope you have checked out this thread. (http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/showthread.php?p=67554#post67554)
I've added a further post to that thread to ensure you are aware what the minimum level of supplementation and the optimal level of vitamin d status should be. Too often doctors assume that average levels are ideal levels and this is not the case for vitamin d as there is widespread insufficiency.