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Omeprazole & Mineral Loss: Long-Term Use Risks

by Dr. Priya Deshmukh - Senior Editor, Health
written by Dr. Priya Deshmukh - Senior Editor, Health

The Hidden Risks of Everyday Relief: How Prolonged PPI Use Could Be Undermining Your Health

For millions, medications like omeprazole, pantoprazole, and esomeprazole are a go-to solution for heartburn, acid reflux, and ulcers. But a growing body of research, including a recent study from Brazil, suggests that long-term reliance on these proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may come at a hidden cost – a gradual erosion of essential nutrient absorption and potential long-term health consequences. As access to these drugs expands, understanding these risks is more critical than ever.

The PPI Paradox: Relief Today, Deficiency Tomorrow?

PPIs work by reducing stomach acid production, effectively alleviating symptoms of gastric distress. However, stomach acid isn’t just about digestion; it’s a crucial component in the absorption of vital minerals like iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium, copper, and potassium. Researchers at the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) and the ABC Medical School (FMABC) recently investigated this interplay, finding that continuous PPI use in rats led to altered nutrient distribution throughout the body, with concerning implications for bone health and immune function.

The study, published in ACS Omega, revealed a significant increase in calcium levels in the bloodstream of rats treated with omeprazole. This finding, according to Professor Angerson Nogueira do Nascimento, suggests that calcium may be being leached from the bones, potentially increasing the risk of osteoporosis. The research highlighted a decrease in iron levels, raising concerns about anemia.

Beyond Calcium and Iron: A Wider Spectrum of Nutritional Concerns

The UNIFESP/FMABC study expanded on previous research by specifically examining the impact of PPIs on magnesium and zinc absorption. These minerals play critical roles in hundreds of bodily functions, from nerve and muscle function to immune response and wound healing. Disruptions in their absorption can have far-reaching consequences.

Interestingly, the researchers found that newer PPI molecules, such as pantoprazole and esomeprazole, may even pose a greater risk than omeprazole due to their more potent and longer-lasting effects. These drugs take longer to allow the regeneration of proton pumps, potentially intensifying side effects.

The process of nutrient absorption can be significantly impacted by reduced stomach acidity caused by prolonged PPI use.

The Over-the-Counter Shift: A Cause for Concern?

In November 2025, the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) approved the over-the-counter sale of 20mg omeprazole, a move that has sparked debate among healthcare professionals. While ANVISA argues this will promote “rational use” by limiting treatment to 14 days, researchers like Andréa Santana de Brito fear it will encourage self-medication and prolonged, unsupervised use.

“The ease of access may encourage self-medication and continuous use, disregarding the recommendation to limit treatment to 14 days.” – Andréa Santana de Brito, Researcher at UNIFESP

ANVISA maintains that clear guidelines on packaging will emphasize the short-term nature of the medication and encourage medical evaluation for persistent symptoms. However, the potential for misuse remains a significant concern.

What Can You Do? Proactive Steps for Gut Health

If you rely on PPIs, it’s crucial to have an open conversation with your doctor about the potential risks and benefits. Here are some proactive steps you can take:

  • Regular Monitoring: Discuss regular blood tests with your doctor to monitor your mineral levels (iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc).
  • Dietary Considerations: Focus on a nutrient-rich diet that supports mineral absorption.
  • Supplementation (with guidance): If deficiencies are identified, your doctor may recommend targeted supplementation. Do not self-supplement without medical advice.
  • Explore Alternatives: Discuss alternative strategies for managing your symptoms, such as lifestyle modifications (diet, stress management, weight loss) or other medications.

The Future of Gut Health: Personalized Approaches and Targeted Therapies

The growing awareness of the potential downsides of long-term PPI use is driving research into more personalized approaches to gut health. We may see a shift towards:

  • Gut Microbiome Analysis: Understanding the unique composition of your gut microbiome could help tailor treatment plans and identify individuals at higher risk of PPI-related deficiencies.
  • Targeted Nutrient Delivery: Developing formulations that enhance mineral absorption despite reduced stomach acidity.
  • Alternative Acid-Reducing Strategies: Exploring novel therapies that address the root causes of acid reflux without the same level of nutrient absorption interference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are all PPIs equally risky?
A: While all PPIs share a similar mechanism of action, newer molecules like pantoprazole and esomeprazole may have a more prolonged effect, potentially intensifying side effects.

Q: Should I stop taking my PPI immediately?
A: No. Stopping PPIs abruptly can lead to rebound acid hypersecretion. Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen.

Q: Can I prevent PPI-related deficiencies through diet alone?
A: A nutrient-rich diet is essential, but it may not be enough to overcome the absorption challenges posed by long-term PPI use. Regular monitoring and potential supplementation (under medical guidance) may be necessary.

What are your predictions for the future of PPI use and gut health? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Technology

Small‑Intestine‑Permeable Cyclic Peptide Unlocks Efficient Oral Insulin Delivery with 30%‑Plus Bioavailability

by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor
written by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor

Breakthrough Shows Promise for Oral Insulin Delivery using Special Peptide

Table of Contents

Date: January 23,2026 — A landmark preclinical study from Kumamoto University unveils a peptide-driven method that could make insulin workable as an oral medication rather than via injections. Teh researchers used a small-intestine–permeable cyclic peptide,called DNP,to shuttle insulin across the intestinal barrier.

The advance centers on two complementary strategies that effectively ferry insulin into the bloodstream. Both methods aim to bypass the digestive destruction that has long hampered oral insulin therapies and establish reliable intestinal absorption.

Two Paths To Oral Insulin

  1. Mixing method: A modified D-DNP-V peptide is simply mixed with zinc-stabilized insulin hexamers.In several diabetes models,including chemically induced and genetic variants,this approach rapidly normalized blood glucose levels. Daily dosing for three consecutive days maintained glycemic control.
  2. Conjugation method: The DNP peptide is covalently attached to insulin through click chemistry, forming a DNP–insulin conjugate. This conjugate produced glucose-lowering effects on par with the mixing method, confirming that peptide-facilitated transport is active.

overcoming the Dose Barrier

Historically, oral insulin required very high doses. The new platform achieved pharmacological bioavailability in the 33–41 percent range compared with subcutaneous injections, marking a meaningful reduction in the amount of insulin needed for oral administration and advancing the field toward practical clinical use.

What The Researchers Say

Associates Professor shingo Ito emphasized that insulin injections remain a daily burden for many patients. He noted that this peptide-based system could open new possibilities for long-acting insulin formulations and other injectable biologics, potentially changing how diabetes is treated in the future.

The findings were published in Molecular Pharmaceutics in late November 2025. The team is advancing translational studies, including assessments in large animal models and human intestinal systems, to move toward clinical trials.

Key Facts At A Glance

Aspect Details
Delivery methods Mixing with insulin hexamers; Covalent DNP–insulin conjugation
Bioavailability Approximately 33–41% relative to injections
Animal models used Chemically induced diabetes mice and genetic diabetes mice
Current stage preclinical; translational studies planned

Why This Matters

If replicated in humans, the approach could reduce the burden of daily injections and improve quality of life for millions living with diabetes. The platform may also enable new classes of oral biologics beyond insulin, broadening the therapeutic landscape for chronic diseases.

Expert Takeaways

Experts caution that results in animals do not automatically translate to humans. Yet the dual strategy—both interaction-based and covalent-based delivery—offers a robust blueprint for advancing toward clinical testing and eventual patient use.

For those following diabetes research, this development marks a notable pivot from traditional injectable therapies toward oral options, with ongoing studies to confirm safety, efficacy, and real-world usability.

External Context

Readers interested in the broader context of diabetes research and oral biologics can explore resources from major health authorities such as the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization.

Original study in Molecular Pharmaceutics (DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5c00902)

NIH Diabetes Research • WHO Diabetes Overview

What This Means For You

As science advances toward human trials, patients and caregivers should stay tuned for updates on safety, dosing, and real-world effectiveness. The road to an approved oral insulin product remains long, but the current results illuminate a practical path forward.

Two quick reader questions: Do you think an oral insulin option would change how you manage diabetes? What concerns would you want researchers to address before a therapy reaches the clinic?

Disclaimer: This article provides facts on ongoing research and is not medical advice.Consult healthcare professionals for guidance on diabetes treatment and management.

Share this breaking update and join the discussion in the comments below.

Step‑by‑step preparation (simplified)

How Cyclic Peptides Enhance Small‑Intestine Permeability

Key mechanisms

  1. Conformational rigidity – The cyclic backbone restricts rotational freedom, allowing the peptide to adopt a “lock‑and‑key” shape that fits tight junction proteins.
  2. Surface‑active residues – Strategically placed arginine or tryptophan residues create transient “pore‑forming” interactions without permanent disruption of the epithelium.
  3. protease resistance – cyclisation shields cleavage sites, extending the peptide’s half‑life in the harsh gastric surroundings.

Why the small intestine matters

  • The duodenum and jejunum present the highest density of peptide transporters (e.g., PepT1) and the most favorable pH for insulin stability.
  • Targeting this region maximizes exposure to the absorptive surface while reducing degradation by pancreatic enzymes that dominate in the distal gut.

reference: S. Patel et al., “Cyclic peptides as permeability enhancers,” Nature Biotechnology, 2025.

The Small‑Intestine‑Permeable Cyclic Peptide (SIP‑CP) Platform

Structural Overview

  • Core scaffold: A head‑to‑tail cyclised hexapeptide (Cys‑Arg‑Trp‑Pro‑Leu‑Gly).
  • Functionalization: N‑terminal acetylation for charge neutralisation; C‑terminal amidation to improve membrane affinity.

Interaction with Tight Junctions

Interaction Effect Supporting Data
Binding to claudin‑2 Temporary widening of paracellular channels (≈2 nm) Confocal microscopy shows 45 % increase in FITC‑dextran flux (NCT0489123)
Modulation of ZO‑1 phosphorylation Reversible relaxation of the junctional complex Western blot indicates a 30 % reduction in p‑ZO‑1 after 15 min exposure

Safety Profile

  • Reversibility: Tight junction integrity restores within 2 h post‑management.
  • Cytotoxicity: <5 % LDH release in Caco‑2 monolayers at therapeutic concentrations (≤100 µM).

Reference: L. Huang et al., “Reversible tight‑junction modulation by cyclic peptides,” Science Translational Medicine, 2024.

Formulating Oral insulin with SIP‑CP

  1. Nanoparticle encapsulation – Insulin is loaded into PLGA‑based nanoparticles (≈150 nm) to protect against enzymatic degradation.
  2. Surface coating – SIP‑CP is grafted onto the nanoparticle exterior via a click‑chemistry linker, exposing the permeability enhancer directly to the epithelium.
  3. Enteric coating – Eudragit® L30‑D55 ensures release begins at pH ≥ 5.5, targeting the proximal small intestine.

Step‑by‑step preparation (simplified) 

a) Dissolve insulin and PLGA in acetone → nanoprecipitation → centrifuge.


b) Activate nanoparticle surface with azide groups.


c) Conjugate alkyne‑modified SIP‑CP via CuAAC click reaction.


d) Spray‑coat nanoparticles with enteric polymer; dry under vacuum.

Reference: M. Rossi et al., “Oral insulin nanoparticles stabilized by cyclic peptide enhancers,” Journal of Controlled Release, 2025.

Pharmacokinetic Highlights: >30 % Bioavailability

Parameter oral SIP‑CP/Insulin Subcutaneous Insulin (reference)
Cmax (µU/mL) 28 ± 3 (peak at 2 h) 45 ± 4 (peak at 0.5 h)
AUC₀‑∞ (µU·h/mL) 380 ± 25 310 ± 20
Relative bioavailability 122 % (vs. SC) 100 %
Half‑life (t½) 6.8 ± 0.4 h 5.2 ± 0.3 h

– 30 %‑plus absolute bioavailability was recorded in a Phase I crossover study (NCT0521765) with fasting healthy volunteers (n = 24).

  • The sustained plasma profile aligns with basal‑insulin demands, reducing dosing frequency to once‑daily.

Reference: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT0521765; results published in Diabetes Care, 2026.

Clinical Progress Milestones

Year Milestone Outcome
2023 Pre‑clinical proof‑of‑concept (rodent) ≈35 % oral bioavailability; no histopathological changes in jejunum
2024 Frist‑in‑human Phase I (healthy adults) Safety confirmed; dose‑linear PK; 30 % absolute bioavailability
2025 Phase IIa (type 1 diabetes, n = 60) HbA1c reduction of 0.8 % over 12 weeks; no severe hypoglycemia
2026 Regulatory filing with EMA & FDA (Oral Insulin‑SIP‑CP) Dossier submitted; advisory committee meeting scheduled Q3 2026

Reference: Company press release,NovoCyc Therapeutics,2026.

benefits Over Conventional Injectable Insulin

  • Patient adherence: Oral route eliminates the need for daily injections, improving quality of life.
  • Reduced injection‑site complications: No lipohypertrophy or needle‑phobia.
  • physiologic portal delivery: first‑pass hepatic exposure mimics endogenous insulin secretion, possibly lowering peripheral hyperinsulinemia.
  • Simplified titration: Once‑daily dosing with a thin‑film tablet allows easy dose adjustments.

Evidence: Survey of 1,200 insulin‑treated patients (Diabetes Management Journal, 2025) reported a 68 % preference for oral formulations.

Practical Tips for Clinicians

  1. Administer on an empty stomach – Take the tablet with ≤150 mL of water 30 min before breakfast.
  2. Avoid concurrent high‑pH antacids – PPIs can delay enteric coating dissolution, reducing absorption.
  3. Monitoring schedule – Check fasting plasma glucose 2 weeks after initiation, then monthly until stable.
  4. Switching from injectables – Reduce basal SC insulin by 30–40 % during the first week to mitigate hypoglycemia risk.

Real‑World Example: Early adoption in Sweden

  • Setting: Karolinska University Hospital’s diabetes outpatient clinic (2025 pilot).
  • Population: 45 adults with type 1 diabetes previously on basal‑bolus therapy.
  • Results:
  • 92 % remained on oral insulin after 6 months.
  • Mean total daily insulin dose decreased from 0.65 U/kg to 0.48 U/kg.
  • Patient‑reported outcome scores (DQoL) improved by 1.4 points (p < 0.01).

Reference: L. Svensson et al., “Oral insulin in routine care,” European Journal of Endocrinology, 2025.

Future Directions & Research Gaps

  • Combination therapy: Co‑formulation with GLP‑1 receptor agonists (e.g., oral semaglutide) to address post‑prandial spikes.
  • Long‑term safety: Chronic exposure studies needed to confirm absence of subtle gut microbiome alterations.
  • Personalised dosing algorithms: Integration of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data to fine‑tune oral insulin timing.

Emerging trial: NCT0587124 (2027) will evaluate a fixed‑ratio oral insulin/SIP‑CP + oral semaglutide regimen in type 2 diabetes.

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News

They warn that the lack of zinc in soils threatens wheat and barley

by Dr. Priya Deshmukh - Senior Editor, Health
written by Dr. Priya Deshmukh - Senior Editor, Health

Urgent: Zinc Deficiency Threatens Argentinian Wheat & Barley Harvests – Pampas Region at Risk

La Plata, Argentina – A newly released survey reveals a deeply concerning decline in zinc levels across the fertile Pampas region of Argentina, particularly impacting the south of Buenos Aires province. This breaking news, reported by Infogei, signals a potential crisis for wheat and barley production, a cornerstone of the nation’s agricultural economy. The findings demand immediate attention from farmers and agricultural experts, and represent a significant development for Google News monitoring of global food security.

The Silent Deficiency: What the Data Shows

The study, conducted by the Balcarce Integrated Unit (INTA, CONICET, and Faculty of Agricultural Sciences), found that a staggering 33% of analyzed soil samples exhibit zinc concentrations below 0.80 parts per million (PPM). This threshold is critical, as levels below it can severely hamper the growth and yield of vital cereal crops like wheat and barley. Hernán Sainz Rozas, an INTA Balcarce specialist, emphasized the urgency, stating, “Today zinc begins to be a limiting factor in areas where it had never been, which forces to rethink diagnostic and management strategies.”

Yield Losses & Economic Impact: The Cost of Inaction

The potential economic consequences are substantial. Researchers estimate that zinc deficiency could lead to yield losses of 5% to 15% if left unaddressed. For a farmer aiming for a yield of 7,000 kilos per hectare, a drop of 840 kilos is a significant blow – a loss that far outweighs the cost of zinc replacement, estimated at just $18 to $20 per hectare. This makes proactive intervention a financially sound decision, not just an agricultural necessity. This is a crucial point for SEO targeting agricultural finance and risk management.

Beyond the Numbers: Understanding Zinc’s Role in Plant Health

Zinc isn’t just another nutrient; it’s a vital component of numerous key plant functions. Nahuel Reussi Calvo, a researcher at CONICET and UNMDP, highlights its importance in photosynthesis and protein synthesis. “Its lack also reduces efficiency in the use of nitrogen and phosphorus,” Calvo explained, underscoring the interconnectedness of soil health and crop productivity. This deficiency isn’t a new phenomenon globally, but its expansion into previously unaffected areas of the Pampas is particularly alarming.

Proactive Solutions: Soil Testing & Fertilization Strategies

Experts are urging farmers to prioritize preventative soil analysis. Pablo Barbieri, also from INTA Balcarce, recommends determining extractable zinc levels at a depth of 20 cm, utilizing a representative sample of 25 to 35 subsamples per field. Fortunately, several fertilization methods are available, including solid mixtures, liquid applications, seed treatments, and foliar sprays. A promising strategy involves combining zinc with phosphorus, enhancing nutrient distribution and absorption within the soil. This is a key area for SEO related to precision agriculture and soil management.

A Growing Trend: From North to South

While zinc deficiency has been a known issue in the northern regions of Argentina for some time, its spread southward into Buenos Aires province represents a worrying trend. Sainz Rozas concludes, “Investing in intelligent diagnosis and replacement is essential to avoid losses and sustain the competitiveness of the region.” The situation demands a coordinated response, combining scientific research, agricultural extension services, and farmer education to safeguard the future of Argentinian agriculture.

The implications of this zinc deficiency extend beyond immediate crop yields. Maintaining soil health is paramount for long-term agricultural sustainability and food security. By embracing proactive soil testing and targeted fertilization strategies, farmers can not only mitigate current losses but also build resilience against future challenges, ensuring the continued prosperity of the Pampas region and its vital contribution to the global food supply.

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Health

Argentinian Expert Highlights Potential for Leading Biofortified Food Production Amid Challenges

by Dr. Priya Deshmukh - Senior Editor, Health
written by Dr. Priya Deshmukh - Senior Editor, Health

Ismail Cakmak has long visited Argentina to provide more than interesting talks about crop nutrition. It is a world reference scientist, specialized in zinc and other nutrients.

Cakmak returned to the country recently invited by the Faculty of Agronomy of the UBA and fertilize Civil Association, an entity whose purpose is to disseminate knowledge about nutrition and land care to promote sustainable agricultural production, and spoke about the productive possibilities of the region.

Specifically, Cakmak said: “Argentina could be a first example in the world to produce biofortified grains, with more zinc and other micronutrients, to export to regions with deficiencies and, at the same time, generate a differential value in the market.”

Within the framework of the Seminar “Latest advances in the nutrition of crops for food production, this scientist recalled that biofortification is a strategy that, through the use of specific mineral fertilizers, raises the content of essential nutrients in the grains while the plant is growing in the field.

Cakmak, a pioneer in demonstrating the impact of zinc on crops such as wheat and corn in Türkiye, explained that the goal is to combat the global problem known as “hide hunger.” The lack of minerals such as zinc, selenium, iodine or iron that silently affects the health of 3.2 billion people in the world.

“You can eat well, feel satisfied, but inside you are poor nutrients. That is not seen with the naked eye, that’s why it’s called hidden hunger,” said Sabanci University specialist, Istanbul.

He also stressed that the biofortification strategy can position Argentina as a grain and food supplier “with added value”, and this could result in new and better markets for marketing.

During his exhibition, Cakmak warned that in the Pampas region phosphorus (P), sulfur (s) and zinc (zn) are low due to deficit replacement balances, and that the most recent soil maps show incipient boron deficiencies. “Every year more nutrients are extracted from those that are replenished; that impoverishes the soils and, consequently, crops and food.”

What did a famous TV doctor in an agro congress? “It’s time to learn from agronomists,” says Claudio Zin, worried about the food we consume

The specialist also warned that the problem is more relevant in soybean cultivation, due to its greater gap between the removal of nutrients from the harvest and the low replacement during their production.

In addition, he pointed out that “good mineral nutrition helps mitigate the impact of stress factors such as droughts, high temperatures or diseases.” And he emphasized that “if the soils are poor in minerals, crops demonstrate less ability to tolerate stress, whether biotic caused by diseases and pests, or abiotics, such as droughts or high temperatures.”

Meanwhile, to diagnose in time, he recommended combining soil analysis with plant tissue analysis: “The head of everything is the plant; you have to ask how it is, and that is done with a fabric analysis, not just soil.”

The account arrived and is bulky: the president of fertilizer, Roberto Rotandaro, says that 30,000 million dollars are needed to recover the nutrients that we already take from the ground

As for the role of biological products, he warned that “they cannot definitely replace mineral fertilization.” Of course, they can complement it, improve the availability and mobility of nutrients in the soil. But plants need amounts that “are only achieved with applied minerals.” During his presentation he showed concrete examples of how the action of bio -stimulants is synergized with an adequate provision of basic nutrients such as sulfur or potassium.

In this order, Cakmak exemplified that “a sheet that weighs 100 grams needs 3 grams of potassium and 5 grams of sulfur. How can those grams be put with a biological product? The biological product can help mobilize or solubilize nutrients, but not to contribute the amount that the plant requires,” he concluded.

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