Low or depleted magnesium levels are associated with a higher likelihood of several cardiovascular problems, including arrhythmias, where people with low magnesium have been shown to have 2–4 times higher odds of these rhythm disturbances compared with those with normal levels. Low magnesium is also linked to worsening coronary artery disease, progression of heart failure, and development or aggravation of hypertension, driven by disrupted cardiac electrical stability, vascular function, and electrolyte balance. Even mild magnesium depletion may contribute to higher blood pressure over time, adding to the overall cardiovascular burden, especially in individuals with existing heart disease or multiple risk factors. This medication is commonly used for Stomach Acid.
Kolte D, Vijayaraghavan K, Khera S, Sica DA, Frishman WH. Role of magnesium in cardiovascular diseases. Cardiol Rev. 2014 Jul-Aug;22(4):182-92. Vierling W, Liebscher DH, Micke O, von Ehrlich B, Kisters K. Magnesium deficiency and therapy in cardiac arrhythmias: recommendations of the German Society for Magnesium Research. Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 2013 May;138(22):1165-71. Houston M. The role of magnesium in hypertension and cardiovascular disease. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011 Nov;13(11):843-7. Yin Y, Costello RB, Fonarow GC, Heidenreich PA, Morgan CJ, Faselis C, Cheng Y, Zullo AR, Liu S, Lam PH, Rosanoff A, Vargas JD, Gottlieb SS, Deedwania P, Moore HJ, Shao Y, Sheriff HM, Wu WC, Zeng-Treitler Q, Ahmed A. Oral magnesium and outcomes in US veterans with heart failure. Eur Heart J. 2026 Jan 5;47(1):80-90.
Some side effects may be linked to nutrient depletion caused by this medication.
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.
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.
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.