Acid reflux drug warning as scientists fear common medicine could lead to fatal disease

According to a recent study, a frequently used acid reflux medication, which is taken by 15% of people in the UK, may be linked to an increase in cases of scurvy.

Doctors in Australia have raised concerns that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), like omeprazole, could lead to a serious and potentially life-threatening vitamin C deficiency.

The alert follows a report from doctors at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Western Australia, who noted a case where the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) resulted in the onset of scurvy.

The man, who is in his 50s, initially noticed a small red-brown rash that started on his legs and gradually spread to his hands and arms.

The alert follows a report from physicians at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Western Australia, who recorded a situation where the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) resulted in the onset of scurvy.

Blood tests showed that he had no vitamin C in his system, and his levels of other important nutrients were also lower than they should be.

After taking daily supplements that comprised 1000mg of vitamin C, vitamin D3, folic acid, and multivitamins, his symptoms began to get better.

After the treatment, his rash went away and his vitamin C levels normalized.

The doctors found out that the patient had been neglecting to eat fruits and vegetables and often skipped meals.

Australian medical professionals have issued a caution that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), like omeprazole, could lead to a serious and potentially deadly deficiency in vitamin C.

He had recently had weight loss surgery and was unable to pay for the nutritional supplements his doctor recommended.

Weight loss surgery may make it more difficult for the digestive system to take in essential vitamins and minerals from the food we eat, a condition referred to as malabsorption.

PPIs can elevate the chances of developing scurvy by hindering the body's ability to take in vitamin C, which adds to other contributing factors.

Dr. Andrew Dermawan from Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital pointed out that the increasing cost of living has made it difficult for families to purchase healthy foods.

He pointed out that certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing scurvy, such as drinking excessively, smoking, having eating disorders, living in low-income households, being obese, undergoing kidney dialysis, and taking medications that hinder the absorption of vitamin C.

The use of PPIs is notably high, with the NHS in England issuing 73 million prescriptions for them in the year 2022-23, which makes up 6 percent of all prescriptions.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are often recommended for issues like heartburn, acid reflux, and upset stomach. They're also given to individuals who have previously experienced stomach ulcers.

These medications are also used as a precaution to safeguard the stomach from other drugs like aspirin or steroids, even if the patients aren't experiencing any symptoms.

The medications are easily obtainable, with certain PPIs offered for sale without a prescription at drugstores and grocery stores.