PPIs only bind to activated proton pumps and thus have to be taken before a meal to maximize efficacy. Succinic acid has been shown to induce gastric acid secretion, so researchers investigated the combination of omeprazole and succinic acid (VECAM) for controlling intragastric pH. 36 healthy individuals were enrolled in this open-label, randomized, crossover study that compared VECAM with omeprazole alone. VECAM was found to be significantly better than omeprazole alone at maintaining intragastric pH >4 during the night-time, and this combination could eliminate the need for a subsequent meal.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Chowers, Y. et al. The effect of once daily omeprazole and succinic acid (VECAM) vs once daily omeprazole on 24-h intragastric pH. Neurogastroenterol. Motil. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2982.2012.01884.x
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Franks, I. The combination of succinic acid and omeprazole is effective at controlling intragastric pH. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 9, 242 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2012.53
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2012.53
