Chronic low calcium intake impairs bone mineralization and may contribute to lower bone mineral density and increased fracture risk, especially when combined with low vitamin D. This medication is commonly used for Stomach Acid.
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.
Tai V et al. Calcium intake and bone mineral density: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2015;351:h4183.; Liu Y et al. The effect of calcium supplementation in people under 35 on bone mass: a systematic review and meta-analysis. eLife. 2022;11:e79002.; Cong B, Zhang H. Effects of combined calcium and vitamin D supplementation on bone mineral density and fracture risk in postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2025;26:9089.
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.