Khaberni - Scientists warn that a common drug for treating heartburn could cause a deficiency in essential minerals in the body, affecting millions of people who regularly use it.
Proton pump inhibitor (PPI), used to reduce stomach acidity and treat recurrent heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach ulcers, and erosive esophagitis caused by chronic stomach acid reflux. This medication is available with and without a prescription and has been trusted by scientists for over three decades due to its effectiveness.
However, these medications are designed for short-term use only, as reducing stomach acidity affects the body's ability to absorb essential minerals. A recent study conducted by scientists from the Federal University in Sao Paulo, Brazil on mice showed that taking doses equivalent to the human dosage of "omeprazole" led to significant health problems.
The study included the monitoring of mice for 10, 30, and 60 days, measuring mineral levels in the blood, liver, and spleen, and analyzing blood cells to illustrate the long-term impact of the drug on mineral balance and body health.
The results showed:
• A sharp decrease in liver copper levels, which hindered iron absorption.
• Iron accumulation in organs like the liver and spleen instead of being distributed in the blood to produce red blood cells, leading to early signs of anemia.
• The body pulling calcium from the bones to maintain levels in the blood, which may weaken the skeletal structure over time.
• An increase in white blood cell count, indicating a possible inflammatory response due to increased bacteria resulting from decreased stomach acidity.
It is noted that the drug "Prilosec" is prescribed more than 45 million times annually in the United States, making it one of the top ten prescribed drugs. While animal study results do not necessarily apply to humans, the mechanism of mineral absorption is similar, which reinforces the need to monitor patients using it for extended periods, especially through regular blood tests to detect early problems such as anemia and mineral deficiencies.
These results confirm previous warnings about the long-term use of acid suppressors, potentially linking them to anemia, bone fractures, magnesium deficiency, and kidney issues, and call for adherence to medically recommended dosages and treatment durations.
