There are many different medications that work by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. Some are called histamine 2 (H2) blockers and are now available without a prescription. This class includes popular brands like Zantac (Ranitidine) or Axid (Nizatidine). These products work by blocking the H2 receptor site, thereby reducing the amount of acid the stomach produces. There is also a more powerful class of drugs known as proton pump inhibitors. One of these products, Prilosec OTC, is available without a prescription, while the rest are available only by prescription. These products include Nexium (Esomeprazole), Prilosec (Omeprazole), Aciphex (Rabeprazole), Prevacid (Lansoprazole), Protonix (Pantoprazole). Proton pump inhibitors work exactly as the name implies, they inhibit the proton pumps in the stomach from producing acid. These products are very effective in reducing the level of acid in the stomach and reducing the symptoms of GERD, reflux, and stomach ulcers. These are relatively safe products that do not require any additional blood testing and have very few side effects in most people.

But one of the long-term effects of continually lowering stomach acid is that your body can’t absorb the amount of vitamin B-12 (cobalamin) it needs, and your body supplies it. essential nutrient is depleted. Since B-12 deficiency is already estimated to be found in 5-20% of the population, adding a drug that actually reduces the body’s absorption of vitamin B-12 can have significant effects on a population that is already at risk. Other things that put patients at risk for vitamin B-12 deficiency include the elderly, alcoholics, dementia patients, patients who have had a small bowel resection, and AIDS patients.

One marker that doctors often use to determine vitamin B-12 deficiency is blood homocysteine ​​levels.

If you are taking one of these over-the-counter or prescription products, it is important to be aware of this possible nutritional side effect that could affect your health. One way to avoid potential deficiency is to make sure you take a supplement.