Iron absorption question

I had been on GERD meds for a long time, protonix, prevacid, zantac etc.  I did not realize this could cause malabsorption of vitamins and am chronically deficient in iron, vitamin d, magnesium etc and was put on prescription vitamins.  I stopped taking the acid reflux meds for a few months and now am waking up a lot at night (in addition to my sleep apnea), have gunk in my throat and feel stuff coming back up again.  I also had to go to ER for left side pain and found that my spleen was "upper normal" but "markedly englarged on physical exam" and that it was a little harder/solid than it should be.  I obviously am going to start taking the acid reflux meds again, protonix, but am worried about becoming iron deficient again.  

So my question is this....I know supplements are difficult to get into your system for lack of acid in the stomach when you take protonix....but is it the same for iron rich foods?  Would the stomach also block iron and other nutrients you get from food since it blocks supplements as well?  If so, how can I take the acid reflux meds but still get the nutrients my body needs?

Thank you

[Renee Radenberg]

There is certain things you can do with diet to help you with GERD. There is a two-fold method to help decrease irritation and pain, which are eating behaviors and food. Eating behaviors: 1. Smaller, frequency meals 5-6 times a day helps keeps the stomach acid and pressure much more even than 3 large meals daily, 2. Eat slowly, not too quickly. Putting your fork down between bites would help to slow down your rate of eating, 3. Sit up while eating and remain sitting or standing 45-60 minutes after eating, 4. Stop eating any foods 2-3 hours before you go to bed. Food: 1. Avoid high fat foods (fatty, greasy, fried foods) because they stay in the stomach longer, 2. Avoid spicy food, 3. Certain types of food cause issues and avoid them – Chocolate, Peppermint, Caffeinated drinks (coffee, tea, soda), and Alcohol, 4.Try not to consume any foods or beverages that cause discomfort. If you need medication, the above will help you decrease the amount to take as soon as you get it under control. Suggest taking vitamin C supplement with Iron supplement (not on an empty stomach), and eat vitamin C foods with iron foods (example – mashed potatoes with meat) to help with absorption. Hoped this helped.