What vitamin should be monitored when a patient is on PPIs?

When a patient is on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), the vitamin that should be monitored is Vitamin B12. PPIs reduce the production of stomach acid, which is important for the absorption of several nutrients, particularly Vitamin B12. Stomach acid helps release B12 from food sources, allowing it to be absorbed in the intestines. With long-term use of PPIs, there is a risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to neurological issues and anemia.

Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Vitamin A are not specifically affected by the use of PPIs in the same way that Vitamin B12 is. While Vitamin D absorption may be influenced by various factors, it is not directly related to gastric acidity like B12 absorption is. Vitamin C and Vitamin A have different absorption mechanisms and do not rely as heavily on gastric acid for their assimilation, making them less of a concern in the context of PPI therapy. Therefore, monitoring Vitamin B12 levels in patients on PPIs is essential to prevent potential deficiencies.