Are Children with Cystic Fibrosis Who Are Treated With a Proton‐Pump Inhibitor at Risk for Vitamin B ₁₂ Deficiency?

Abstract

BackgroundIn a recent study, the authors demonstrated the beneficial effect of proton‐pump inhibitors (PPI) on fat malabsorption and bone mineral content in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Prolonged use of PPI could result in vitamin B 12 deficiency as a consequence of impaired release of vitamin B 12 from food in a nonacid environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the vitamin B 12 status of CF patients either treated with a PPI or not by measuring vitamin B 12 and homocysteine blood levels, the latter being a sensitive indicator of vitamin B 12 deficiency.MethodsThe study population consisted of 20 CF patients, 11 patients treated with a PPI for at least 2 years and 9 patients not treated with a PPI, and 10 healthy, age‐matched control participants. Homocysteine blood levels were measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography, and vitamin B 12 levels were measured by a competitive protein‐binding assay.ResultsVitamin B 12 levels were significantly higher in both CF groups compared with the control participants (PPI+, P = 0.02; PPI−, P = 0.009). There was no significant difference in vitamin B 12 levels between both CF groups. Homocysteine levels were normal and similar in all groups.ConclusionsCystic fibrosis patients treated with a PPI for at least 2 years show no signs of vitamin B 12 deficiency.