PPIs Impair Zinc Absorption and Deplete Body Stores
Do Proton Pump Inhibitors Cause Zinc Deficiency?
Yes, proton pump inhibitors significantly interfere with zinc absorption and can deplete zinc body stores through impaired gastric acid production, which is essential for zinc solubilization and absorption. This interference can lead to zinc deficiency with consequences including impaired immune function, delayed wound healing, and altered taste sensation, particularly in patients on long-term PPI therapy.
Dr. Kumar’s Take
This research adds zinc to the growing list of nutritional deficiencies associated with long-term PPI use. Zinc is crucial for immune function, wound healing, and protein synthesis, so deficiency can have wide-ranging health effects. What’s concerning is that zinc deficiency can be subtle initially - patients might notice decreased taste, slower healing, or increased infections without realizing the connection to their acid-blocking medication. This reinforces the importance of comprehensive nutritional monitoring in long-term PPI users.