dose nexium block your ability to get nutrition from food?

Answer 1

No, it only partially blocks the production of stomach acid. People have taken Nexium and related drugs (Prilosec, Prevacid, Protonix and Aciphex are called proton-pump inhibitors) for months and even years without any effect on blocking nutrition. If that were true (I've been on Prevacid for 8 or 9 years), I'd be skinny instead of overweight!

I hope this helps.

Rick the Pharmacist

With all due respect to "Doctor J" and Sherry Rogers, MD, but the info given is incorrect and unsubstantiated. Sherry Rogers has even been disciplined by the NY State Dept of Health for her claims. "Show me the science" and I'll be a believer.

Stomach acid helps the body absorb calcium, which is needed for healthy bones. But it only takes a little bit of acid to do this. The studies conducted have shown a possible link and are recommending the lowest possible dose to prevent this risk.

PPI Adverse effects
Proton pump inhibitors are generally well tolerated, and the incidence of adverse effects is relatively uncommon. The range and occurrence of adverse effects are similar for all of the proton pump inhibitors, though they have been reported more frequently with omeprazole. This may be due to its longer availability and hence clinical experience.

Common adverse effects include: headache, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, dizziness.

Infrequent adverse effects include: rash, itch, flatulence, constipation. Decreased cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) absorption may occur with long-term use.

It has been observed that gastric acid suppression, using H2-receptor antagonists and proton pump inhibitors, is associated with an increased risk of community-acquired pneumonia. It is suspected that acid suppression results in insufficient elimination of pathogenic organisms. It has therefore been suggested that patients at higher risk of pneumonia should only be prescribed proton pump inhibitors at lower doses and only when necessary.

PPIs have also been shown to raise risk of CDF (Clostridium difficile) infection.

In a study of 135,000 people 50 or older, those taking high doses of PPIs for longer than one year have been found to be 2.6 times more likely to break a hip. Those taking smaller doses for 1 to 4 years were 1.2 to 1.6 times more likely to break a hip. The risk of a fracture increased with the length of time taking PPIs. Theories as to the cause of the increase are the possibility that the reduction of stomach acid reduces the amount of calcium dissolved in the stomach or that PPIs may interfere with the breakdown and rebuilding of bone by interfering with the acid production of osteoclasts. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proton_pump_inhibitor

Answer 2

Hi Shawn. Yes, nexium and other acid-inhibitor drugs interfere with the digestion and absorption of many nutrients. Acid is needed to initiate digestion and to 'free-up' many nutrients that are bound to proteins in the food. Minerals such as iron, zinc and calcium require acid for optimum absorption. Vitamin B12 also requires acid for its digestion and absorption.

Recent studies have found a significant increased risk of Osteoporosis in users of drugs like Nexium so these issues are not just 'theoretical' but have real-world implications.

Additionally, studies have shown that all users of these drugs develop bacterial overgrowth in their small intestines. This is something you may want to consider avoiding!

Find a doctor that will work with you to find and fix the CAUSE of your acid problems. If you cannot find this type of doctor, you may want to educate yourself. An excellent book has been written by Sherry Rogers, M.D. called: "No More Heartburn". She explains the many causes of heartburn/reflux and how to properly and safely treat the cause. The book is available at Amazon.com

Best wishes and good luck.

Answer 3

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