Proton Pump Inhibitors Interfere With Zinc Absorption and Zinc Body Stores.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Non-randomized comparative study with a concurrent healthy control group.
PubMed 27957023 · doi:10.4021/gr379w
What was done
GERD patients on long-term PPI therapy (> 6 months) and healthy controls not taking acid-suppressive medication were evaluated. Both groups took oral zinc gluconate (26.2 mg zinc twice daily) for 14 days. Venous blood samples were collected, and plasma was analyzed for total zinc content using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Baseline plasma and red blood cell zinc levels were also measured prior to supplementation.
What was found
During the 14-day supplementation period, plasma zinc levels increased by 126% in healthy controls compared to a 37% increase in long-term PPI users. At baseline without zinc supplementation, PPI users had 28% lower plasma zinc levels than healthy controls (P < 0.005). Specific baseline or post-supplementation numeric zinc values and red blood cell levels were not reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
This study demonstrates that gastric acid suppression by PPIs substantially reduces the intestinal absorption of supplemental zinc and is linked to lower baseline circulating zinc stores.
Limits
The abstract does not state the sample size (n), participant demographics, or specific PPI regimens. The design was non-randomized and unblinded, and functional clinical outcomes associated with reduced zinc levels were not evaluated.
Cited by
- supports Proton pump inhibitors and reduced gastric acidity impair zinc absorption.