Acid reflux drug warning as common medication ‘could trigger Victorian disease’

**Acid Reflux Drug Warning as Common Medication ‘Could Trigger Victorian Disease’**

Health experts have raised concerns about a potential connection between a widely used acid reflux medication and the re-emergence of a disease from the Victorian era. Cases of scurvy have increased by 25% since 2007, with factors such as a reliance on unhealthy food due to the cost of living crisis being cited as contributing factors. However, experts have now suggested that omeprazole, a common reflux drug in the UK, might also play a role in triggering this condition.

Scurvy is a condition caused by a severe deficiency in vitamin C and can manifest through symptoms like bleeding gums, fatigue, easily bruised skin, and loose teeth. Doctors from Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Western Australia have proposed that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole could potentially lead to the development of scurvy. This is due to the drug’s ability to decrease stomach acid production, making it challenging for the body to absorb vitamin C effectively.

Approximately 15% of the UK population takes PPIs, with the NHS issuing 73 million prescriptions in England between 2022 and 2023. These medications are commonly prescribed for conditions such as indigestion, acid reflux, and stomach discomfort, as well as to protect the stomach from the side effects of other medications like aspirin or steroids.

The link between PPIs and scurvy was first identified when a man in his 50s experienced a rash after using PPIs and following a diet lacking in vitamin C. Medical tests revealed that he had no detectable vitamin C in his blood and was deficient in other essential nutrients, leading to a diagnosis of scurvy. Treatment with vitamin C, vitamin D3, folic acid, and a multivitamin resolved his symptoms and restored his vitamin levels to normal.

In addition to the impact of PPIs, various risk factors contributing to scurvy include poor dietary habits, obesity, previous bariatric surgery, low income, and the consumption of certain medications that can interfere with vitamin C absorption. The case study emphasises the importance of maintaining a balanced diet and following supplement recommendations post-surgery to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

**Insights:**

The potential link between common medications like omeprazole and the development of diseases like scurvy highlights the importance of monitoring the side effects of widely prescribed drugs. Patients should be educated about the potential risks associated with long-term medication use and the need to supplement their diet accordingly. This case serves as a reminder for healthcare providers to consider nutritional factors when prescribing medications and to address any deficiencies promptly to prevent severe repercussions. Public awareness campaigns may also be necessary to inform individuals about the importance of maintaining a balanced diet to prevent such deficiencies.