Antacids and Osteoporosis Link.

[jebbypal]

I'm not sure if I posted about this outside of flock since I was discussing my mother's health at the time.

But, a study has been published linking prolonged use (>1 year) of proton pump inhibitors (ie, acid reducers like Nexium) to increased risk of hip fracture and osteoporosis. Earlier studies have also linked chronic use of normal antacids to osteoporosis. It appears interfering with the acidity of the stomach affects how calcium is processed and later absorption.

Jolie Bookspan discusses ways to treat acid reflux without PPIs and also addresses things to do to combat osteoporosis.

Comments

[inalasahl]

Oh, thank you for the links. I really appreciate it. I have a risk factor for osteoporosis already (smoking) so it's something I really worry about. I use antacids quite a bit. I had no idea it could be a problem.

[jebbypal]

Yeah, it was a pretty big shocker when my mom heard it on the news while I was home since it explained quite a lot. Most likely, you wouldn't notice any effects until you hit menopause since estrogen helps so much with calcium and bone health, but it's definitely something to keep in mind. Basically it boils down to my mother had ALL the risk factors though. Our family history was enough to convince me to stop drinking soda completely by the 18 (esp since I lived off of soda during my childhood).

[adelheide.livejournal.com]

I don't know if I technically have acid reflux, but I do know that I get indigetion from time to time, especially when I'm stressed. Interesting that indigestion could be due to low acid, not too much acid. I already turn to ginger tea or milk as a first recourse, but these other facts are good to know.