15% off £40

000000s
Code:QUICK
 

15% off £40

000000s

Code:QUICK

Offers3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 priceOutletIntroductory OfferBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 for £60 Mix & Match2 for £5 Mix & MatchShort DatedVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements Shop AllHair, Skin & NailsCollagen & SilicaMuscle Support & Joint PainDigestive HealthMagnesiumFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGinkgo BilobaGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and Aquaceuticals5 HTPDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalConditionShop all ConditionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthPerimenopauseMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesRescue RemedyAshwagandhaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesHomeopathic RemediesAt-Home TestsVegan Vitamins & SupplementsHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicWeledaBetterYouBioglanGrass & Co.Nature's WayNatures AidJoints, Aches & PainsImmunityGut HealthEnergyLow Mood & DepressionStress & AnxietyChildren's HealthHealthy HeartWeight ManagementWomen's Health - Menopause & Perimenopause3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offOutletGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeIntroductory OfferDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkChristmas Food & GiftsAdvent CalendarsFood & Drink Shop AllDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsDried FruitNutsSeedsMixesTeas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas, Coffee & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstitutesMushroom DrinksTeasSuperfood TeasMatcha & Green TeaHerbal TeaPeppermint TeaSleep & RelaxationSlimming TeaWomen's Health TeasHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyNut ButtersJams & ChutneysSyrupsSpreadsPateDrinks & JuicesShop all Drinks & JuicesMultipack DrinksJuices & Health ShotsNatural Energy DrinksKombuchaCBD DrinksSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksProtein ShakesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSuperfood BlendsSupergreensMoringa PowderSpirulinaMaca PowderFlaxseedBaobabChia SeedsGoji BerriesGut HealthSnacksShop all SnacksSweet SnacksSavoury SnacksLow Calorie SnacksChocolateCrisps & ChipsSnack BarsFlapjacksLiquoricePopcornVegan FoodShop all Vegan FoodMeat-Free AlternativesDairy Free DrinksEgg SubstitutesVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsGravy, Broths & StockBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesMeat-Free AlternativesSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsTinned FoodsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy, Broths & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking IngredientsBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy Free DrinksShop all Dairy Free DrinksOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadeHeath & HeatherHuelPukkaTwiningsNakdMeridianPerfectTedImmunityExercise & RecoveryGut HealthJoints, Aches & PainsEnergyWeight ManagementDental HealthSave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchOnline only - Up to 33% offGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeOutlet2 for £5 Mix & MatchGluten FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSugar FreeMilk FreeSoya FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeFish FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinWhey ProteinClear ProteinMass GainersVegan ProteinDiet ProteinCaseinSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneElectrolytesEnergy GelsSports CollagenCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderCreatine CapsulesBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutCaffeine Free Pre WorkoutAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutPost WorkoutKetoAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsAmino Energy PowdersBCAAL-LysineGlutamineCarnitineArginineVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness EquipmentOptimum NutritionUSNGrenadePrecision EngineeredApplied NutritionMyproteinHolland & BarrettPhDNakdHuelExercise & RecoveryEnergyWeight ManagementLow Mood & DepressionStress & AnxietySave up to 1/2 PriceGreat SavingsIntroductory Offer3 for 2 Mix & MatchOnline only - Up to 33% offBuy one get one 1/2 price2 for £60 Mix & MatchOutletGluten FreeDairy FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreePalm Oil FreeMilk FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeNew inBeautyGiftsNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareSkin AilmentsSkin OilsCBD BeautySun CareShop all Sun CareSun Lotion SPFMineral Sun CareFace SPFAfter SunHair Skin & NailsWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesFeminine CareShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaHolland & BarrettNaturtintTisserandMiaromaSukinQ+AEthiqueSkin Health - by skin concernDental HealthWomen's Health - Cycles & MenstruationJoints, Aches & PainsWomen's Health - PregnancyChildren's HealthExercise & RecoveryLow Mood & DepressionSexual HealthStress & Anxiety3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offOutletIntroductory OfferAlcohol FreeDairy FreeGluten FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeMicroplastics FreeSesame Seed FreeSoya FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeNew inCBDShop all CBDCBD Vitamins & SupplementsShop all CBD Vitamins & SupplementsCBD OilCBD CapsulesCBD SprayCBD GummiesCBD Food & DrinkCBD BeautyGrass & Co.CBDfxTRIPfourfiveCannaray CBDHolistic HerbHolland & BarrettReakiroLove HempBody & Mind BotanicalsExercise & RecoveryLow Mood & DepressionSleep & RelaxationStress & Anxiety3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offBuy 1 Get 1 FreeGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 priceOutletShort DatedDairy FreeAlcohol FreeGluten FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management Shop AllFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsSlimming TabletsWeight Management Shakes Shop all Weight Management Shakes Meal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkHealthier CookingLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeasExercise SupportShop all Exercise SupportFitness EquipmentMeal Replacement ShakesDiet ProteinProtein BarsHolland & BarrettGrenadePhDHeath & HeatherUSNOptimum NutritionBouncePulsinTrekDiabloWeight ManagementExercise & RecoverySave up to 1/2 Price3 for 2 Mix & MatchOnline only - Up to 33% offGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 priceIntroductory OfferOutletGluten FreeSugar FreeDairy FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeNew inVeganChristmasHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessEnergyJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthHair Skin & NailsStress AnxietySleep & RelaxationHolland & BarrettVitabioticsNaturtintWeledaSolgarOptimum NutritionDr OrganicBetterYouApplied NutritionWildJoints, Aches & PainsGut HealthSkin Health - by skin concernEnergyExercise & RecoveryWomen's Health - Menopause & PerimenopauseLow Mood & DepressionStress & AnxietyWomen's Health - Hormonal HealthImmunity3 for 2 Mix & MatchSave up to 1/2 PriceOnline only - Up to 33% offGreat SavingsBuy one get one 1/2 priceOutletShort Dated3 for £14 Mix & MatchDairy FreeGluten FreeAlcohol FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeEgg FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeNew inShop for your WellnessGut HealthImmunityEnergySkincareWomen's HealthMenstrual HealthMenopauseJoints, Bones & MusclesHair, Skin & NailsSleep & RelaxationFood & DietChildren's HealthStress ReliefHealthy HeartLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthLearn about WellnessJoints, Bones & MusclesWomen's HealthPeriods & Cycle HealthMenopauseImmunityGut HealthFood & DietSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsArticlesAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast

Can low stomach acid cause osteoporosis?

osteoporosis x-ray
Is there a link between osteoporosis and low stomach acid? New research suggests this could be the case. Learn more about osteoporosis and low stomach acid here.

Did you know that every three seconds someone around the world experiences a fracture due to osteoporosis?1 While eating a healthy, balanced diet – with plenty of calcium and magnesium – is key to protecting yourself against the condition, how you digest those nutrients could be just as important.

In this article, we explore the link between low levels of stomach acid and osteoporosis. Are the two connected? Or is it just a theory? Here we’ll dive into the details using scientific studies, below.

Skip to: 

How digestion can influence osteoporosis

Hydrochloric acid – or stomach acid – helps break down or ‘dissolve’ nutrients in the gut, which makes it easier for our body to absorb them.2 But if we’re not producing enough stomach acid, those nutrients may never make it out of the gut and into our bones – this can lead to osteoporosis symptoms such as weak, brittle bones.

According to one expert, 90% of those with osteoporosis have low stomach acid.3 Research has now confirmed this theory. A 2010 study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology concluded that ‘malabsorption of dietary calcium is a cause of osteoporosis’.4 While in 2011, Spanish researchers found that proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which reduce stomach acid, could increase the risk of developing the condition.5

In addition, a more recent study from 2018 also concluded that the use of PPIs is strongly associated with an increased risk of hip fracture development – especially in those who already have an elevated risk of this.6

What causes low stomach acid?

Scientists are discovering that there is in fact a link between low stomach acid levels and bone health, but why do people have low stomach acid in the first place? Well, there are a number of reasons we can start to produce less stomach acid, including:7

  • Stress 
  • Ageing 
  • Zinc and B vitamin deficiencies 
  • Gastritis and bacterial infections – especially H. pylori 
  • An underactive thyroid 
  • Medication, particularly PPIs.

Symptoms of low stomach acid

If you have low stomach acid levels, you may start to notice the following symptoms:8

  • Heartburn (acid reflux) 
  • Bloating and gassiness after meals 
  • Brittle nails 
  • Thinning hair

Having said this, these symptoms can be related to other health conditions too. So, it’s best to get the advice from a medical professional if you’re experiencing any of the signs above.

How to increase stomach acid

So, what can you do to try and increase your stomach acid? Among other things, taking a digestive enzyme that contains betaine hydrochloric acid (betaine HCI) may help to improve digestion and nutrient absorption by temporarily making your stomach more acidic.9

A study published in the journal Molecular Pharmaceutics in 2013 found that when six volunteers were given 1500mg of betaine HCI, this lowered their gastric pH – which then increases stomach acid production – for over an hour.10 Supplements often combine betaine HCl with digestive enzymes to help boost nutrient absorption.

Taking a calcium supplement could also help counter the effects of low stomach acid. An early study by Creighton University School of Medicine in 1985 discovered that 11 people with achlorhydria (no stomach acid) were able to absorb calcium normally when they took a calcium carbonate supplement with breakfast.11

Support your bone health

While genetics determine the potential size and strength of your skeleton, there are some things you can do to work towards having strong bones. Listing the most obvious first, having a healthy diet is one of the best things you can do to keep your bones in check.12 Eating calcium rich food for bones like milk, eggs, green vegetables, soya products and nuts is recommended so that you reach the required daily intake of 700mg.13

Want to know how to increase bone density? The NHS states that weight-bearing exercise and resistance-exercise are particularly effective for both improving bone density and preventing osteoporosis.14

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can look after your bones, we’ve got a whole article with 12 ways to support your bone health to help give you some ideas.

The final say

There does seem to be a link between bone health and stomach acid levels. However, there are things you can do to support both of these areas, like exercising regularly and eating the right food for strong bones and muscles.

Disclaimer

Advice is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please consult a doctor or healthcare professional before trying any remedies.

 

Sources

  1. International Osteoporosis Foundation. Facts and statistics. Available from: https://www.iofbonehealth.org/facts-statistics 
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279304/ 
  3. UHN staff. The Unusual Link Between Low Stomach Acid and Osteoporosis. Available from: https://universityhealthnews.com/daily/bones-joints/osteoporosis-could-low-stomach-acid-be-the-cause-of-your-bone-health-problems/ 
  4. Sipponen P, Härkönen M. Hypochlorhydric stomach: a risk condition for calcium malabsorption and osteoporosis? Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19958055 
  5. Martí-Cabrera M, Martí-Masanet M, Esplugues JV. Chronic use of proton pump inhibitors: is the risk of osteoporosis and fractures real? Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21419526
  6. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00198-018-4788-y
  7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/gastric-hypoacidity 
  8. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23392-hypochlorhydria
  9. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Betaine-hydrochloride 
  10. Yago MR, et al. Gastric Re-acidification with Betaine HCl in Healthy Volunteers with Rabeprazole-Induced Hypochlorhydria. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23980906 
  11. Recker RR. Calcium absorption and achlorhydria. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/4000241 
  12. https://theros.org.uk/information-and-support/bone-health/ 
  13. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/bone-health/food-for-strong-bones/ 
  14. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoporosis/prevention/
 

Related Articles