Popular Heartburn Drugs May Upset Your Gut Flora.
According to a new study, heartburn medications such as Prilosec and Nexium may disrupt the population of an individual’s gut bacteria, potentially increasing his or her risk for infections and other problems for up to one month after they cease using such drugs. Among longtime users, these medications have also been connected to vitamin deficiencies, bone fractures, and pneumonia. Patients should talk with their healthcare provider regarding the necessity of these medications and justify their continued use.
Microbiome, November 2014