Long-term use of acid-blockers and dementia

Food for Thought

Long-term use of acid-blocking medications like Pantaloc and Nexium has been linked to dementia and depression. I was just reading a study that suggests vitamin B12 deficiency might be the link in this association. Stomach acid is required in order to absorb vitamin B12 and so acid-blockers can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is important for brain and nerve function as well as energy production. If you or someone you know has been on an acid-blocker for a while, perhaps it is time to check vitamin B12 levels!