Watch Out for Vit B12 Deficiency on PPIs & Vit D3

Hi all I had 2 stents in 2020 and as usual was on cocktail of drugs. At present only on 75 mg Apsirin & Ivabradine 5 mg OD along with Omeprozole - PPI 20 mg. Been on PPIs for 3 years as Aspirin doesn't go well with my tummy.

Recently started to feel bit nervous, tired, recurrent headaches & unproductive. Had all blood works done nothing came up but read about Vit 12 depletion on PPIs long term use. Requested GP to write a Vit B12 test and yesterday found out that I been suffering from low Vit B12 ( deficiency). I have started 1000 mcg pet day oral and would consult GP for further treatment. Personally I don't like needles so perhaps would supplement with oral B12 only. Anyone with similar experience?

Another thing my blood work also indicated mild level of low platelets between 100,000 and 150,000 without any obvious reason.

Amazingly Found out that Vit D3 supplementation reduces the platelets count in a big way. I was on Vit D supplements from June to September this year.

Hope this information would be helpful to other members. Thanks

[Tos92]

I have been a long term user of PPI’s for 3 years now. Although I have not had my Vitamin B12 checked yet, there does seem to be a correlation between long-term use of PPI’s and a decrease in Vitamin B12 which is why iron supplements and infusions can help. I personally have had a reduction in folates, and I do think the PPI has partly contributed to it. Interestingly, my blood tests have also demonstrated platelet issues, but I can’t say for certain that this is also linked to the PPI. I have a low MPV (mean platelet volume) and it has been like this since the beginning of this year. I have not been on Vitamin D3 supplements like you however.

Thanks for the info & all the best.

Tos

[Hidden in reply to Tos92]

Hi, thanks for sharing

[Lowerfield_no_more]

I have been taking medium to high dose PPIs for about 20 years for reflux disease (along with several other meds) and don't have B12 deficiency. I do however have folate deficiency (vitamin B9) which the NHS groups with B12, and take a prescribed supplement for this which restores folate to normal levels. Whether folate deficiency is linked to taking PPIs is an unknown for me, but even if it is the remedy is simple.