The latest news to come in from Chicago shows that the long term use of the popular anti-heartburn drugs such as Nexium and Prevacid increase the risk of hip fractures in people over fifty. This could be because the anti-heartburn drugs inhibit calcium absorption.
The drugs which are called proton pump inhibitors work by shutting down the stomach acid production. Millions of people who suffer from acid related stomach problems such as ulcers and gastro-oesophageal reflux receive relief from these problems.
Researchers at the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine found that the reduction of acid levels over a long term may carry more risk of suffering a hip fracture than those who were not taking the drugs.
From a study of almost 150,000 Britons over fifty years of age it was found that those receiving drug therapies for heartburn problems had a 44% greater risk of suffering a hip fracture.
It is suggested that doctors should reduce the dosage of these drugs where ever possible or elderly patients should consider taking a vitamin c supplement to counteract the effects of the reduced levels of calcium.
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