An estimated 12.3 million Americans over 50 are affected by osteoporosis (“porous bone” or low bone density), and an additional 47 million younger Americans are in the early stages. Worldwide, the prevalence is 18.3%
Rates of hip fractures vary from tenfold to a hundredfold between countries, showing that low bone density is not a consequence of aging per se, but is dependent on lifestyle factors, including the use of certain drugs such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), the most popular heartburn medications on the market
PPIs are only recommended for short-term use, yet 60% of users report staying on the drug for more than one year; 31% are still on them after three years. More than 60% are also taking them to treat conditions for which these drugs are not indicated, such as indigestion
Dozens of studies show rates of hip fractures are elevated among both long- and short- term users of PPIs, and at all dose levels
More recent research suggests one of the primary ways by which PPIs damage bone may be by way of collagen, as these drugs have been shown to inhibit collagen production through several mechanisms of action
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