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Reflux medications and magnesium deficiency

Magnesium Deficiency and Hydrochloric Acid Inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s) are a group of drugs that inhibit gastric acid production. They are commonly used prescription medications whose trade names
include Nexium, Prevacid, Zegerid, Protonix and are also available as overthecounter products (OTC) including Prilosec OTC, Prevacid 24 HR and Zegerid OTC. These drugs are mostly prescribed to treat reflux, heartburn and other forms of digestive discomfort.

Over the last several years, low serum magnesium levels have been in found in patients who were longterm users of PPI’s. Patients were experiencing a number of symptoms, such as muscle cramps, tetany, cardiac arrhythmia, vertigo, convulsions and seizures.

There have also been reports of an increase in hip fractures in patients using PPI’s over long periods. Studies of these patients show low serum magnesium as
well as low serum calcium, in those people who have been taking PPI’s for a period of time

Kuipers, MT, et al. Hypomagnesaemia due to the use of proton pump inhibitors – a review. J.O.M. 67, 5, 2009. Wright, MJ, et al. Proton pumpinhibiting drugs, calcium homeostasis, and bone health. Nutr.Rev. 66,2, 2008. Cundy, T., et al. Severe hypomagnesaemia in longterm users of protonpump inhibitors. Clin.Endocrinol. 692, 2008.

Most cases of reflux and heartburn are actually linked to low rather than too much stomach acid.  Stress is the number one factor in decreasing stomach acid production.  Adequate stomach acid is essential in order to properly break down foods to enable nutrients to be absorbed further on down the digestive tract.  If you suffer any form of digestive discomfort, cramping, vertigo, fatigue, constipation, diarrhoea, call 07 5530 1863 today to arrange a personalised health assessment.