It also helps in the absorption of other minerals like calcium, phosphate, magnesium and zinc. New research has shed light on many, hitherto unknown, targets for vitamin D action. Amongst them are cells in the digestive system, highlighting the role of vitamin D in digestion, and thereby providing relief from GERD.
But taking too many of them could lead to an unwanted side effect. According to express.co.uk, vitamin supplements may cause heartburn in some people. The pills could irritate the oesophagus, or allow some stomach acid to creep back up the oesophagus when it enters the stomach, said Dr David Katz.
Multivitamins, especially the ones containing zinc, iron, or calcium, can aggravate the symptoms of GERD including heartburn.
Vitamins A and C are powerful antioxidants that have been shown to be effective against GERD symptoms. These antioxidants also help to protect the body from infections and illnesses, which could worsen or trigger acid reflux.
Supplementation with vitamin D may alleviate allergic inflammation in the esophagus, whereas a deficiency in vitamin D may lead to a higher risk for eosinophilic esophagitis and other allergic states, according to a study published in Gut.
Vitamin D plays a significant role in the maintenance of gastrointestinal barrier integrity, surveillance of the gut microbiota and inflammatory immune responses. These mechanisms are important in both preventing the development of IBD and ameliorating symptoms of the disease.
Vitamin D helps protect the gut itself from pathogenic invaders, such as viruses and bacteria that can lead to digestive upset and other symptoms throughout the body, and it helps regulate inflammation that can be caused by these pathogens, as well as foods and toxins.
Mg helps relieve GERD and consequently LPRD by two mechanisms. Mg plays a major role in regulation of muscle contraction and it helps smooth muscles to relax. It plays a role in the action of pyloric sphincter.
Conditions that magnesium may help treat:
Acid reflux & heartburn - magnesium will reduce spasm of the lower esophageal sphincter and prevent the release of acid into the esophagus. Magnesium is also needed for stomach acid production, so deficiency can be an indicator of low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria).
Factors that can aggravate acid reflux include: Smoking. Eating large meals or eating late at night. Eating certain foods (triggers) such as fatty or fried foods.
If acid levels decrease and/or vitamin C intake is low, Fe absorption decreases [28]. Therefore, long term vitamin C and/or Fe insufficiency can potentially become Fe deficient when the person with GERD both avoids vitamin C containing foods and intakes PPIs or H2 blockers.
If you take too much supplemental or prescription vitamin D, it can lead to vitamin D toxicity. The main complication of this is moderate to severe hypercalcemia, which can cause symptoms like vomiting, increased thirst and frequent urination.
The main consequence of vitamin D toxicity is a buildup of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia), which can cause nausea and vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination. Vitamin D toxicity might progress to bone pain and kidney problems, such as the formation of calcium stones.
Magnesium carbonate -- Magnesium carbonate is another popular, bioavailable form of magnesium that actually turns into magnesium chloride when it mixes with the hydrochloric acid in our stomachs. It is a good choice for people suffering from indigestion and acid reflux, since it contains antacid properties.
Try 200 to 400 mg of magnesium citrate or glycinate twice a day.
Acid reflux & heartburn
Like other muscles, the esophageal sphincter that separates the stomach from the esophagus needs magnesium to function properly. Without enough magnesium, the sphincter may spasm, allowing the acid to travel up and irritate the sensitive esophageal lining.
In conclusion, probiotic use can be beneficial for GERD symptoms, such as regurgitation and heartburn. However, proper placebo-controlled, randomized, and double-blinded clinical trials with a sufficient number of participants are warranted to confirm its efficacy in alleviating these symptoms.
Melatonin generated in the gastrointestinal tract has mucosal protective effect with inhibiting gastric acid secretion, while increasing gastrin release, which in turn stimulates the contractility of lower esophageal sphincter.
(2) So vitamin D deficiency might promote GERD either through subclinical gastroparesis or esophageal dysmotility.
Natural (vegetarian) vitamin D3 may be easier on the digestive tract than synthetic vitamin D3. Learn what happens when you're low in this crucial nutrient.
Because vitamin D is fat soluble, its absorption depends on the gut's ability to absorb dietary fat [4]. Fat malabsorption is associated with medical conditions that include some forms of liver disease, cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis [1,63].