Omeprazole and Calcium in Horses: New Research Published

In humans, proton pump inhibitors, like omeprazole, are associated with reduced digestibility of several nutrients, including calcium. Because it is the only FDA-approved drug for the treatment of equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD), omeprazole is prescribed often by veterinarians. Kentucky Equine Research conducted a study to determine if short-term administration of omeprazole affected digestibility of diets containing two different calcium sources and to assess changes in blood parameters associated with gastric acid production and calcium status.

Researchers found that omeprazole reduced calcium digestibility in mature horses by nearly 18% but did not affect the digestibility of other nutrients. Horses routinely receiving omeprazole should have their calcium intake reviewed and, if marginal, may benefit from calcium supplementation. Further, of the two calcium sources studied, the marine-derived calcium source was more digestible than calcium carbonate.

Read the entire research paper, titled “Omeprazole Reduces Calcium Digestibility in Thoroughbred Horses,” recently published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science.

Further reading: Omeprazole and Calcium Digestibility: What Horse Owners Should Know