Editorial

Proton Pump Inhibitors and Iron Deficiency: Is the Connection Real?

Authors: Sucha Nand, MD, Tawee Tanvetyanon, MD

Abstract

Iron therapy has been used for centuries, perhaps dating back to 1500 BCE, even though recognition of iron deficiency has been more recent.1 The main causes of iron deficiency remain blood loss from the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts and, in poorer countries, lack of dietary iron. Gastrointestinal malabsorption of iron is a well-recognized but uncommon cause of this malady.

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References

1. Beutler E, Fairbanks VF, Fahey JL. Clinical Disorders of Iron Metabolism. New York, Grune and Stratton, 1963, pp 1–18.
 
2. McKie AT, Barrow D, Latunde-Dada GO, et al. An iron regulated ferric reductase associated with the absorption of dietary iron. Science 2001;291:1755–1759.
 
3. Wintrobe MM. Clinical Haematology, London, Kimpton, 1956, ed 4, p. 134.
 
4. Sharma VR, Brannon MA, Carloss EA. Effect of omeprazole on oral iron replacement in patients with iron deficiency anemia. South Med J 2004;97:887–889.