Nutritional Deficiencies Associated with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in Elderly/Older Adults

Abstract

Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common upper gastrointestinal disorder encountered in the elderly patient. GERD is one of the highly prevalent diseases seen in the clinical practice. In the elderly population, few studies have addressed the prevalence of GERD. It is estimated that 20-30% of the US population experience weekly symptoms of GERD, and two out of five people experience heartburn or acid regurgitation at least once a month. Methods: To ensure peer-review articles were used, the search engine, PubMed was utilized along with medical reference-related websites and US Department websites as well as professional organizations. Some medications used by older adults may promote acid reflux, prescription treatments include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), coating agents, H2 blockers and over-the-counter medications that contain antacids or decreased dosages of the prescription strength H2 blockers and PPIs. Discussion: Decreased stomach acidity could be responsible for risk of nutrient deficiencies including vitamin B12 (cobalamin), vitamin C (ascorbate), calcium, iron and magnesium deficiencies or medications that are used to alleviate the symptoms of GERD may also be responsible for increasing the risk for deficiencies. The purpose of this review is to demonstrate and provide reasons why regular assessment, screening, testing, and/or clinically evaluating nutritional deficiencies common in older adults and relating to physical pathogenesis and/or drug treatments of GERD, should be added to the GERD treatment protocol for older adults.