The use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs is extremely prevalent in North America and in most of the Western developed world.
Although many natural-health practitioners do not have formal training in pharmacology, it is at the very least, important for these practitioners to be aware of the nutrient depletion that can result from the use of certain medications. Further, natural-health practitioners should advise patients on how to replenish the nutrient depletion associated with the drugs they are taking. What is evident from the information that follows is that taking a high-potency multiple vitamin enriched with antioxidants, a B-50 complex and 350-500 mg of calcium is an important consideration to counter drug-induced nutrient depletion, as well as being a cornerstone of wellness care for most adults. The following is a summary of nutrients depleted by commonly used drugs:
Laxatives are associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Calcium
Antibiotics are associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2
- Biotin
- Pantothenic Acid
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Zinc
Cholesterol-lowering drugs, such as Cholestyramine, Colestipol, Questran, Colestid and Atromid-S, are associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B12
- Beta-carotene
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Iron
Colchicine, used to treat gout, is associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- Folic Acid
- Iron
Prednisone and related steroid drugs are associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
- Magnesium
- Vitamin C
- Calcium
Nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, are associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Iron
Antacid drugs are associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B1
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin B12
- Chromium
- Iron
Oral contraceptive drugs are associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Beta-carotene
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B6
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin B12
- Biotin
- Pantothenic Acid
- Vitamin C
- Magnesium
- Zinc
Sedatives and barbiturates are associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin B12
- Pantothenic Acid
Estrogen-replacement therapy is associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin B12
- Biotin
- Pantothenic Acid
- Vitamin C
- Magnesium
Many anti-depressants are associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B6
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Coenzyme Q10
Amphetamine and amphetamine-containing drugs are associated with the depletion of vitamin B1. Levodopa, used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, is associated with depletion of vitamin B6.
Many anti-convulsant drugs are associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Folic Acid
- Biotin
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Zinc
Digoxin (digitalis) is associated with depletion of vitamin B1. Indomethacin is also associated with depletion of vitamin B1.
Diuretic drugs are associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Vitamin B1
- Calcium
- Potassium (thiazide drugs especially)
- Magnesium
- Zinc
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor drugs, used for high blood pressure, are associated with depletion of zinc. Beta-blockers, also used in the treatment of high blood pressure, are associated with depletion of coenzyme Q10. Statin drugs (e.g., Lipitor), used in the treatment of high cholesterol, are associated with depletion of coenzyme Q10.
Resources
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