Acid Reflux Medication Can Cause B12 Deficiency

Acid reflux is a common symptom for many of my clients which they often control with medication.

Popular drugs to treat acid reflux take an unsuspected toll on your health, as long-term use is associated with increased risk for vitamin B12 deficiency.

As your vitamin B12 levels falter, some of the initial signs will often include mood changes, such as lack of motivation or feelings of apathy.

Low B12 levels can also lead to acute mental fogginess, memory troubles, muscle weakness, and fatigue.

Chronic health problems of vitamin B12 deficiency include anemia, irreversible nerve damage, psychiatric problems (which may also mimic more serious mental illness), and dementia.

If you have acid reflux, one of the first things you'll want to do is to make sure you're consuming enough beneficial bacteria (probiotics). Also, beware that taking a proton pump inhibitor may have adversely affected your vitamin B12 status.

Dominick Hussey

Osteopath and Functional Medicine Practitioner

Osteopathy and Functional Medicine

Ottawa Health Wellness Centre