PPIs Double Iron Deficiency Risk: Population Study Findings
Do Proton Pump Inhibitors Increase Your Risk of Iron Deficiency?
Yes, proton pump inhibitor use significantly increases iron deficiency risk by approximately 2-fold according to this large population-based study. The increased risk results from PPI-induced reduction in stomach acid, which is essential for converting dietary iron into an absorbable form, particularly affecting non-heme iron from plant sources.
Dr. Kumar’s Take
This population study provides compelling real-world evidence for a clinically important PPI side effect. Doubling iron deficiency risk is significant, especially for populations already at risk like menstruating women, vegetarians, and the elderly. What’s concerning is that iron deficiency can develop gradually and cause fatigue, weakness, and cognitive issues that might be attributed to other causes. This reinforces the importance of using PPIs judiciously and monitoring nutritional status in long-term users.
