Should Kids On Prevacid Take A Calcium Supplement?

Children need plenty of calcium to ensure they grow strong bones, but recent studies indicate that Prevacid, one of a class of anti-heartburn drugs calls proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), may increase a person's chance of suffering bone fractures. Since Prevacid is now available over the counter, it is likely that more children are taking it than when it was a prescription-only drug, and parents may wonder if their children are in danger.

Bone Fractures

A June 2009 article in "U.S. News and World Report" cited a study done by gastroenterologist Douglas A. Corley which showed that, in the population studied, patients with hip fractures were 30 percent more likely to be taking PPIs, such as Prevacid, than those without fractures. This is just one of several studies done over the last few years that show a correlation between proton pump inhibitors and increased risk of broken bones. Dr. Corley explained that researchers don't know what the relationship is between PPIs and bone fractures, though the article pointed to another study that implied PPIs may inhibit the body's ability to absorb calcium.

Calcium Absorption

A study published in the "Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology" hinted that long-term use of PPIs may reduce stomach acid production and inhibit the body's ability to absorb both calcium supplements and dietary calcium. The National Osteoporosis Foundation points out that calcium citrate is less affected by reduced stomach acid than calcium carbonate. It is unclear whether reduced stomach acid would affect the absorption of calcium phosphate, the form of calcium found in dairy products.

Danger To Children

It is difficult to generalize these results to children since the studies have focused on older populations. An article in the "Canadian Medical Association Journal" showed no increased fractures for participants who had been taking proton pump inhibitors for less than six years. Children are unlikely to need that kind of long-term medication. It is also important to note that these studies show a relationship between PPIs and fractures, not necessarily PPIs and low bone density. A study published in the March 2010 issue of "Gastroenterology" showed no increased incidence of osteoporosis in populations taking drugs like Prevacid. A paper by Dr. Denis McCarthy pointed out other factors such as B-12 deficiency could be a factor as well.

Expert Insight

Calcium intake is important to ensure that growing children have strong bones, but it is still unclear if Prevacid or other PPIs have an effect on calcium absorption in children. Ask your doctor for guidance, but it is likely you will be told to ensure your child gets plenty of milk or other natural sources of calcium rather than taking a supplement. If the doctor should decide a supplement is appropriate, look for products with calcium citrate rather than calcium carbonate.

Children with Disabilities

Although most children will not need a calcium supplement while taking Prevacid, special consideration is needed for children with certain disabilities, such as cerebral palsy. Children who don't walk or who have feeding difficulties are susceptible to low bone density and spontaneous fracture. You and your doctors need to weigh the benefits of Prevacid against the potential for increased bone fracture, and a calcium supplement might be appropriate in these cases.