Dangers of using antacids as a calcium source
Caution Against Antacid Use
Not just any calcium will do.
In an e-Alert last month (“A Date With Density” 1/21/04) I told you how increased calcium intake can help dieters lose weight. After reading that e-Alert a colleague reminded me of one of the most well-known sources of calcium: antacid tables. But as she pointed out: just because it’s a well-known source, doesn’t mean it’s a good one. In fact, it’s anything BUT.
In a number of previous e-Alerts, HSI Panelist Allan Spreen, M.D., has explained the dangers of taking antacids and other heartburn medications. In “Fire Down Below” (12/23/02), he pointed out that with the repeated use of an antacid, “the body, in its wisdom, saves the energy required to protect the esophagus from the stomach’s (normally) more acid environment, and weakens the gastroesophageal sphincter. This allows any remaining acid to sometimes slip past and irritate the esophagus. So look what’s happening – the short term ‘fix’ assures that the problem will continue (and even worsen).”
Clearly, if any antacid is used at all it should be taken sparingly.
Nevertheless, the label for one major over-the-counter antacid medication carries two sets of directions for use: one for antacid needs and one for calcium needs. Their calcium advice: Chew two tablets twice daily. That provides 2,000 mg of calcium carbonate. Fine. That’s a good calcium intake. But what else is happening? You’re putting a steady stream of antacid into your stomach, neutralizing the acid needed to digest food!
What in the world are they thinking? (What they’re thinking, of course, is that if people follow their advice they’ll sell a boatload of antacid tablets.)
Add to this the fact that some antacids have adverse interactions with prescription drugs, and you have all the reasons you need to find another (almost ANY other!) source of calcium.
To Your Good Health,
Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute
