By the way, doctor: Does taking Prilosec cause hip fractures?
There are good biological reasons why PPIs (Prilosec, Protonix, Prevacid, Aciphex, Nexium) might play a role in hip fracture. The drugs reduce acid production by inhibiting the "pumping" of hydrogen ions into the stomach to make hydrochloric acid. They're very effective in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis, and stomach ulcers. But we need some acid to absorb most forms of calcium. It's possible that PPIs, especially at high doses, reduce bone density by interfering with calcium absorption. They may also block another proton pump important in bone remodeling, but we're not sure how this might influence hip fracture.
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