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Is Low Hemoglobin And Changes In Stomach Acid Caused Due To Niaspan And Zantac?

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Posted on Fri, 14 Feb 2014
Question: From recent tests, my hemoglobin is low (11.2) and my blood b-12 is high (1195). I have also been tested for sleep apena, but uars was the test result (oxygen level was low on several counts, but no stoppage of bresthing. Other tests have been negative for alpha-1, leukemia, and cornary embolism. For the last 9 years I have taken Niaspan 2000mg daily (MI 16 yrs ago) with no subsequent problems until about 5 months ago (lipids are perfect, but flushing has tremendously increased in frequency, duration, and intensity ). Additionally, in 2012 Aug I had a bleeding ulcer (from h-pylori, 3 pints of blood). I take Zantac 300mg daily. My question is this "could it not be true that the Niaspan and Zantac have change my stomach acid to the point of causing lessened absorption of b-12, which then caused anemia, which then caused low hemoglobin?
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Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (5 hours later)
Brief Answer: Less likely Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for your query. Vitamin B12 is absorbed in the later part of the small intestines but not in the stomach or duodenum to be interfered with the gastric acid disturbances. The only possibility is decreased production of intrinsic factor a protein secreted in the stomach. This is essential for absorption of Vitamin B12 in the later part of the small intestine. The bleeding ulcer and associated damage in the stomach could have damaged the layer of cells known to produce the Intrinsic factor. I would still consider this to occur very rarely. You may have to be investigated further to know the exact cause of vitamin and iron deficiency. Wish you good health.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 4933 Questions

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Is Low Hemoglobin And Changes In Stomach Acid Caused Due To Niaspan And Zantac?

Brief Answer: Less likely Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for your query. Vitamin B12 is absorbed in the later part of the small intestines but not in the stomach or duodenum to be interfered with the gastric acid disturbances. The only possibility is decreased production of intrinsic factor a protein secreted in the stomach. This is essential for absorption of Vitamin B12 in the later part of the small intestine. The bleeding ulcer and associated damage in the stomach could have damaged the layer of cells known to produce the Intrinsic factor. I would still consider this to occur very rarely. You may have to be investigated further to know the exact cause of vitamin and iron deficiency. Wish you good health.