Kapidex is the brand name for the medication dexlansoprazole, which is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat stomach and esophagus problems such as acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
Kapidex is the brand name for the medication dexlansoprazole, which is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat stomach and esophagus problems such as acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It works by reducing the amount of acid produced in the stomach.
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Kapidex
Depletes
Prolonged use of Kapidex can impact 6 essential nutrients.
Calcium
Long-term use of PPIs might raise the risk of calcium deficiency and weaken bones. A potential mechanism for this is chronic hypergastrinemia, a condition where the stomach produces excess gastrin due to PPI use. This can lead to parathyroid hyperplasia, where the parathyroid glands overproduce a hormone that pulls calcium from bones. Additionally, PPIs significantly reduce stomach acid production, which can hinder calcium absorption from food in the intestines. Individuals taking PPIs, especially individuals at higher risk of bone issues or those on long-term PPI therapy, should consider calcium supplementation to help protect against deficiency.
Replace with Calcium Citrate (75 mg)
Research: Zhou B, Huang Y, Li H, Sun W, Liu J. Proton-pump inhibitors and risk of fractures: an update meta-analysis. Osteoporos Int....
Vitamin C
There is evidence that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) might decrease vitamin C levels in the body. A study showed that even a short course of omeprazole, a common PPI, reduced vitamin C levels in healthy volunteers, regardless of their dietary intake. This suggests that PPIs may reduce the bioavailability of vitamin C, meaning the body has a harder time absorbing and using it. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in immune function and antioxidant defenses and therefore individuals using PPI therapy should consider supplementation with vitamin C to protect against a deficiency.
Replace with Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid (90 mg)
Research: Heidelbaugh JJ. Proton pump inhibitors and risk of vitamin and mineral deficiency: evidence and clinical implications. Ther...
Magnesium
Studies find that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may increase your risk of magnesium deficiency. A large study involving over 100,000 participants found a significant association between PPI use and lower magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia). PPIs work by reducing stomach acid production, which can also play a role in magnesium absorption. Individuals taking PPIs, particularly long-term use, should consider magnesium supplementation to help protect against deficiency.
Vitamin B-6 helps regulate immune responses in the gut, potentially reducing inflammation that can contribute to digestive issues. One of the concerns of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disorder ( GERD) or Gastric Reflux is the progression to more complicated condition such as Barrett’s Esophagus (BE) or even Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) by increased inflammation. While treatment of GERD with Proton Pump Inhibitors or H2 Antagonists may help treat or reduce risk, a study on the effects of B Vitamins found that Vitamin B6 intake was significantly inversely related to the risks of all three lesions of GERD, BE or EAC. Patients concerned with these conditions should consider Vitamin B6 supplementation.
Research: Sharp L, Carsin AE, Cantwell MM, Anderson LA, Murray LJ; FINBAR Study Group. Intakes of dietary folate and other B vitamins...
Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine hydrochloride)
Vitamin B-6 helps regulate immune responses in the gut, potentially reducing inflammation that can contribute to digestive issues. One of the concerns of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disorder ( GERD) or Gastric Reflux is the progression to more complicated condition such as Barrett’s Esophagus (BE) or even Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) by increased inflammation. While treatment of GERD with Proton Pump Inhibitors or H2 Antagonists may help treat or reduce risk, a study on the effects of B Vitamins found that Vitamin B6 intake was significantly inversely related to the risks of all three lesions of GERD, BE or EAC. Patients concerned with these conditions should consider Vitamin B6 supplementation.
Research: Sharp L, Carsin AE, Cantwell MM, Anderson LA, Murray LJ; FINBAR Study Group. Intakes of dietary folate and other B vitamins...
Vitamin K2 (Menaquinone-7)
Research demonstrates that vitamin D3 and K2 can provide greater benefit together. Vitamin D3 and K2 help move calcium into your bones, where it's most beneficial. This prevents calcium buildup in your arteries and blood vessels. Their combined action can boost bone health, promote cardiovascular health, and combat inflammation. Both vitamins show promise in regulating inflammation, a key factor in many health concerns. By collaborating, vitamin D3 and K2 offer a broader spectrum of benefits, potentially protecting against serious illnesses and promoting overall well-being.
Research: Kuang X, Liu C, Guo X, Li K, Deng Q, Li D. The combination effect of vitamin K and vitamin D on human bone quality: a...
Health Impact
Kapidex-induced nutrient depletion can lead to a range of health problems
Reduced Bone Density & Fractures
Systematic reviews indicate that increasing calcium intake yields only modest BMD gains and limited fracture risk reduction by itself, but combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation has shown benefits in specific high-risk groups such as postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.
Research: Tai V et al. Calcium intake and bone mineral density: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2015;351:h4183.; Liu Y et...
Hypocalcemic Spasms & Tetany
Clinical endocrinology sources describe neuromuscular irritability as a classic manifestation of severe hypocalcemia due to inadequate intake, malabsorption or drug-induced changes in calcium metabolism.
Research: Bilezikian JP. Hypocalcemia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;103(10):3827-3839.; Khan AA et al. Diagnosis and management of...
Scurvy & Fragile Blood Vessels
Modern case reports and re-analyses of classic scurvy trials show that vitamin C deficiency causes defective collagen and capillary integrity, with slow recovery of scar strength even after repletion if deficiency is prolonged.
Research: Gandhi M et al. Scurvy: rediscovering a forgotten disease. Clin Case Rep. 2023;11(6):e10296835.; Hujoel PP, Hujoel MLA....
Delayed Wound Healing & Fatigue
Systematic reviews report improved healing of chronic wounds with vitamin C supplementation in deficient or high-need states, supporting the clinical impact of inadequate ascorbate on tissue repair.
Research: Bechara N et al. The role of vitamin C in tissue repair and wound healing: a systematic review. Int Wound J....
Muscle Cramps & Neuromuscular Irritability
Clinical reports and modern reviews note that hypomagnesemia is associated with muscle cramps and spasms; mechanistic work links low magnesium to impaired ATP handling and sustained muscle contraction.
Research: Bilbey DL, Prabhakaran VM. Muscle cramps and magnesium deficiency: case reports. Can Fam Physician. 1996;42:1471-1473.;...
Arrhythmias & Blood Pressure Changes
Cardiovascular reviews identify subclinical magnesium deficiency as a contributor to arrhythmias and hypertension, particularly in individuals on diuretics or medications that increase urinary magnesium loss.
Research: DiNicolantonio JJ et al. Subclinical magnesium deficiency: a principal driver of cardiovascular disease? Open Heart....
Side Effects
Common side effects of Kapidex, some of which may be related to nutrient depletion
Review
Some common side effects of the anti-acid drug Kapidex (dexlansoprazole) may include:
1. Headache 2. Diarrhea 3. Nausea 4. Abdominal pain 5. Constipation 6. Gas or bloating 7. Dry mouth 8. Dizziness 9. Rash or itching 10. Fatigue
Less common but more serious side effects may include:
1. Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (a severe intestinal infection) 2. Vitamin B12 deficiency 3. Low magnesium levels 4. Bone fractures 5. Kidney problems
It is important to talk to your healthcare provider if you experience any of these side effects while taking Kapidex.
Get Support
We've developed a formula to replenish the nutrients depleted by Kapidex.
Pure Encapsulations Magnesium supplement is a dietary supplement designed to support overall health by providing highly bioavailable magnesium to aid in muscle function, energy production, and cardiovascular health.
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