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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sep 29, 2003 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- A new study by Austrian researchers indicates antacid tablets may produce food allergies.
The BBC reported the study, involving approximately 300 people, found those who took anti-acid pills were more likely to suffer an allergic reaction to some foods
The scientists, present during the World Allergy Organization congress earlier this month in Vancouver, said antacid medications may interfere with digestion, thereby causing food to enter one's intestines before it's fully broken down, triggering an attack.
Professor Erika Jensen-Jarolim and her colleagues at the University of Vienna gave half of the people in their study a drug call ranitidine, which acts in the same way as indigestion tablets. The remaining volunteers were given placebos.
The BBC said the scientists found people taking the drug developed signs of food allergy symptoms. None of those in the placebo group showed any such symptoms.
Copyright 2003 by United Press International.
