Q. My doctors were mystified by my anemia. The puzzle was solved after I read in your column that taking Nexium and other acid-reducing drugs can hinder the absorption of iron and other nutrients. Now I regularly take iron with my other supplements and am no longer anemic. Thank you!
A. Minerals like iron and calcium are absorbed best when there is acid in the stomach. Powerful acid-suppressing drugs like Nexium can interfere with this process, and may also hinder absorption of vitamin B12. Inadequate levels of this vitamin can also cause anemia.
