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Showing Original Post only (View all)Stomach acid blockers promote liver disease, study finds [View all]
Source: San Diego Union-Tribune
Chronic liver disease appears to be promoted by taking stomach acid blockers known as proton pump inhibitors, according to a study led by University of California San Diego researchers.
The drugs, including such best-sellers as Prilosec, Nexium and Prevacid, change the mix of gut microbes. This leads to overgrowth of a bacterium that causes liver inflammation and cell death, the study found.
The study was published in Nature Communications. It was performed with mouse models, healthy human volunteers, and data from chronic alcoholics. Bernd Schnabl, M.D., was the studys senior author. Cristina Llorente, also of UCSD, was first author.
Proton pump inhibitors are the most effective class of acid reducers, used for such conditions as acid reflux. Unlike antacids such as Tums that neutralize acid, they prevent it from being produced in the first place. And theyre widely prescribed or bought over the counter. An estimated 10 percent of the general population takes them.
Read more: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/biotech/sd-me-reflux-liver-20171010-story.html
Thought this article was of note, since the drugs mentioned are the ones I see promoted on TV all the time.