Omeprazole, whose brand name is Prilosec, is a proton pump inhibitor used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, a condition in which acidic stomach contents flow backwards into your esophagus. Omeprazole is also used to treat stomach ulcers and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a condition in which tumors in your pancreas secrete large amounts of the hormone gastrin, which causes your stomach to produce too much acid. Omeprazole may inhibit vitamin B-12 absorption.
Omeprazole and Vitamin B-12
Long-term use of omeprazole may cause omeprazole-associated vitamin B-12 deficiency, according to a study found in Ann Pharrmacother journal. Omeprazole suppresses stomach acid needed to extract vitamin B-12 from food, which leads to less absorption of the vitamin. If you are taking omeprazole, you may be at high risk for vitamin B-12 deficiency if you don't eat foods rich in the vitamin or if you have existing gastrointestinal disorders.
Vitamin B-12 Deficiency Symptoms
When taking omeprazole, be aware of the signs and symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency so that you can seek early treatment. Vitamin B-12 deficiency symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, sore tongue, loss of appetite, weight loss, numbness and tingling of your hands and feet, difficulty maintaining balance, poor memory, confusion, depression, psychosis and dementia, according to MayoClinic.com. Untreated vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to permanent neurological damage, so it is important you get treatment to prevent complications.
Natural Sources of Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is naturally only found in animal products. Increase intake of animal products while you are on omeprazole therapy to prevent B-12 deficiency. Examples of foods rich in vitamin B-12 include beef liver, red meat, clams, salmon, eggs, chicken, milk, cheese and yogurt. If you are a vegetarian, you can obtain vitamin B-12 from fortified breakfast cereals and enriched breads.
Vitamin B-12 Supplements
If you are a vegetarian or if you have existing gastrointestinal illnesses, your doctor may advise you to take vitamin B-12 supplements at the same time you are taking omeprazole. Vitamin B-12 supplements are available in the form of tablets, intranasal gels, and injections. Place B-12 sublingual tablets under your tongue and allow them to dissolve into the bloodstream. B-12 injections are usually administered at your doctor's office. Make sure you attend all appointments to receive B-12 injections.
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