Avoid taking antacids at the same time as meals.
Antacids are drugs that neutralize stomach acidity, usually sold over the counter for short-term relief of pain caused by heartburn and indigestion. Antacids may also be used to relieve symptoms of stomach ulcers, gastritis, duodenal ulcers, esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease. B-complex vitamins include thiamin, folate, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, riboflavin and vitamin B-12. Prolonged use of antacids can cause folate and B-12 to be depleted from the body.
Folate, also known as vitamin B-9 is a water-soluble vitamin that helps your body produce energy and healthy red blood cells. Antacids may bind to folate and reduce its absorption, according to New York University's Langone Medical Center. You are more likely to suffer from folate deficiency if you take antacids on a regular basis and have an existing medical condition that affects nutrients absorption. However, if you are healthy, taking antacids on a short-term basis is not likely to have an adverse effect on folate levels in your body.
Vitamin B-12 is necessary for the maintenance of healthy nerves, formation of blood cells and energy production. Antacids are more likely to cause a depletion of vitamin B-12 in older adults, according to University of Florida. Older adults produce less stomach acid due to age-related changes in the stomach. The body requires stomach acid to absorb vitamin B-12. Taking antacids neutralizes stomach acid and this affects vitamin B-12 absorption.
During antacid therapy, you can prevent vitamin B-12 and folate deficiency by increasing your consumption of vitamin B-complex-rich foods. Examples of foods rich in B vitamins include fortified cereals, enriched whole grain breads, milk, dairy products, meat, fish, seafood, poultry, beans, legumes and green leafy vegetables.Take antacids two hours before or after meals to ensure the drugs do not interfere with nutrients absorption, advises Langone Medical Center.
Avoid taking antacids for more than two weeks. Consult your doctor if you need to use antacids for more than 14 days; you may have stomach ulcers, which can be treated with stronger acid-lowering drugs. Avoid relying on antacids for symptom relief because they only work on a short-term basis. Antacids may help relieve pain caused by stomach ulcers but the pain usually returns after the antacid wears out.
Warren,, Maria. "Do Antacids Deplete Vitamin B?" Healthy Eating | SF Gate, http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/antacids-deplete-vitamin-b-7009.html. Accessed 22 April 2019.