Antacids and vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin and plays an important role in the production of red blood cells, proper functioning of the nervous system and is an important factor for normal growth.

Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal products such as meat, fish, milk and eggs. A vitamin B12 deficiency only occurs after years because the body has a large supply of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is absorbed in the small intestine. To release vitamin B12 from food proteins, stomach acid and the enzyme pepsin are needed. The released vitamin B12 is then linked to the so-called intrinsic factor and can only then be absorbed in the small intestine.

Many prescribed antacids strongly inhibit stomach acid production, causing vitamin B12 to be released less effectively from food proteins. As a result, less vitamin B12 is absorbed by the body.

People who use strong antacids therefore have an increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency and a high risk of physical and mental complaints.  Other medications that can cause a vitamin B12 deficiency with long-term use are:

Metformin (diabetes drug) can inhibit the absorption of B12 in the intestine,
N2O (laughing gas, anesthetic & party drug) converts the active form of vitamin B12 into the inactive form.

Antibiotics, potassium chloride and kwestran are also claimed to cause a vitamin B12 deficiency with long-term use.