FDA approval of Nexium for children step in wrong direction
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug for children in a category that has been linked to serious long-term side effects, including bacterial infection, nutrient deficiency and cancer.
The FDA announced its approval of Nexium for children ages 1 to 11 in a Feb. 28 news release.
Nexium, a proton-pump inhibitor, suppresses acid production in the stomach with the goal of healing erosions in the esophagus. Other proton-pump inhibitors include Prilosec and Prevacid.
Although the release recommended Nexium for short-term treatment – eight weeks – starting children on the drug, even at low potencies, should be cause for alarm. If doctors prescribe Nexium throughout a person’s childhood, or if use continues into adulthood, there could be serious consequences.
Drugs that inhibit natural acid production are associated with increased risk of hip fractures, likely because calcium is not sufficiently absorbed, according to a story from MSNBC. Impaired calcium absorption could be detrimental for children, who rely on the nutrient for healthy growth.
In addition, restrained acid production could increase the risk of intestinal infection and bacterial overgrowth in the stomach and small intestine. According to MSNBC, the overgrowth of bacteria in the stomach could lead to pneumonia, vitamin B12 deficiency and stomach cancer.
H2 blockers such as Zantac, Pepcid and Tagamet also suppress acid production. Some of these products, along with traditional antacids, can be purchased over the counter.
Antacids, such as Tums and Rolaids, can cause problems with protein digestion and vitamin B12 absorption. Long-term use can interfere with absorption of other nutrients, including iron and calcium.
Acid blockers and antacids simply mask the symptoms of gastrointestinal problems and provide temporary relief. Enzyme-based digestive supplements, on the other hand, help address the root cause of stomach problems – improper digestion.
Safe, effective digestive enzyme supplements work naturally with the body to relieve digestive problems. They appear to decrease distension of the stomach, which might help relieve symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), according to MSNBC.
For children, great-tasting WellZymes™ Digestive Chewables provide a broad-spectrum blend of digestive enzymes to help the body properly break down food. Other digestive enzyme supplements in the WellZymes™ line, offered in vegetarian tablets, also can help address gastrointestinal complaints.
Digestive enzymes can improve nutrient absorption while they help decrease or eliminate indigestion, gas, bloating, reflux and other symptoms of improper digestion. A reduction in the enzyme-producing burden placed on digestive organs can also increase energy and boost immune function.
For those with ulcers or other damage to the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, WellZymes™ Gastric Ease™ is recommended in place of antacids. Gastric Ease™ can help soothe and protect the gastrointestinal lining, as well as promote proper digestion when taken with meals.
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