Proton pump inhibitors: Do they impair calcium absorption?

A recent study has shown that the proton pump inhibitors and histamine blocking medications used to treat acid reflux may contribute to bone loss. These medications may interfere with the way your body absorbs calcium, which can affect the strength of your bones and make them more prone to fracture.

The study found that people who took either proton pump inhibitors or histamine blockers once daily for a year or longer had an increased risk of hip fracture. But the risk was even greater for those who took about two doses of proton pump inhibitor medications daily to control their acid reflux.

Most people take acid reflux medication only once daily, so while there is an increased risk, the risk is very low. If you have concerns about your risk of bone fractures, ask your doctor how your acid reflux treatment might affect your risk. You and your doctor will need to weigh the small risk of bone fracture with the benefit of these medications to you. Acid reflux can be treated with simple antacids and modification of diet, but sometimes stronger treatments such as proton pump inhibitors or histamine blockers are the only medications that work.

If you need these medications, you should talk to your doctor about taking the smallest effective dose to control your symptoms and keep your risk of fracture low.