Do the Prescriptions You Take Deplete Your Vitamin Status?
BySarah Axtell, ND •July 28, 2017
When you take prescription or over-the-counter drugs, your need for essential vitamins and minerals increases. This can be especially concerning when your diet is lacking as well. Diets heavy in processed foods and the overuse of prescription drugs have left Americans overfed yet undernourished.
Here are 10 common prescription drugs, their associated nutrient deficiencies and resultant potential health problems:
1.ANTACIDS– Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac, Prevacid, Prilosec
Nutrient Deficiencies: Vitamin B12, Folic acid, Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron and Zinc
Potential Health Problems:
Anemia, depression, weakness, increased cardiovascular risk, birth defects, cervical dysplasia, anemia, heart disease, cancer risk, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, hearing loss, osteoporosis, heart and blood pressure irregularities, tooth decay, anemia, weakness, fatigue, hair loss, brittle nails, weak immunity, poor wound healing, decreased sense of smell/taste, sexual dysfunction.
2.ANTIBIOTICS– Gentomycin, neomycin, streptomycin, cephalosporins, penicillins, Tetracyclines
Nutrient Deficiencies: B vitamins, Vitamin K, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc
Potential Health Problems:
Dysbiosis, yeast overgrowth and/or SIBO which causes gas, bloating, decreases digestion & absorption of nutrients.
Osteoporosis, heart & blood pressure irregularities, tooth decay, cardiovascular problems, asthma, osteoporosis, cramps, PMS, slow wound healing, fatigue, anemia, depression, sleep disturbance, weak immunity, decreased wound healing, poor sense of smell/taste, sexual dysfunction.
3.ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
Nutrient Depletions: CoQ10, B vitamins
Potential Health Problems:
Various cardiovascular problems, weak immune system, low energy, problems with skin, eyes, mucous membranes and nerves, sexual dysfunction.
4.ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES– Corticosteroids, Prednisone, Medrol, Aristocort, Decodron, NSAIDS (Motrin, Aleve, Advil/ibuprofen, Anaprox, Dolobid, Feldene), Aspirin and salicylates, Tylenol
Nutrient Depletions: Calcium, Vitamin D, Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamin C, B vitamins, Folic acid, Selenium, Chromium, Vitamin C, Iron, Glutathione
Potential Health Problems:
Osteoporosis, heart and blood pressure irregularities, tooth decay, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, hearing loss, asthma, osteoporosis, cramps, PMS, weak immunity, decreased wound healing, poor sense of smell/taste, sexual dysfunction, depression, sleep disturbances, anemia, fatigue, birth defects, reduced antioxidant protection, elevated blood sugar, cholesterol & triglycerides, diabetes risk, poor detoxification.
5.ANTIVIRALS– Zidovudine (Retrovir, AZT), Foscarnet
Nutrient Depletions: Carnitine, Copper, Zinc, Vitamin B12, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium
Potential Health Problems:
Increased blood lipids, abnormal liver function and glucose control, anemia, fatigue, cardiovascular and connective tissue problems, weak immunity, poor wound healing, decreased sense of smell/taste, sexual dysfunction, anemia, depression, weakness, osteoporosis, heart and blood pressure irregularities, tooth decay, asthma, cramps, PMS, irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, fatigue, edema.
6.CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS– Anti-hypertensives, ACE inhibitors, Beta Blockers
Nutrient Depletions: CoQ10, Vitamin B6, Zinc, Vitamin B1
Potential Health Problems:
Various cardiovascular problems, weak immune system, low energy, depression, sleep disturbance, weak immunity, poor wound healing, decreased sense of smell/taste, sexual dysfunction, irritability, memory loss, muscle weakness, edema.
7.CHOLESTEROL DRUGS– Lipitor, Crestor, Zocor
Nutrient Depletions: CoQ10
Potential Health Problems:
Various cardiovascular problems, weak immune system, low energy, mitochondrial dysfunction.
8.DIABETIC DRUGS– Metformin
Nutrient Depletions: CoQ10, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid
Potential Health Problems:
Various cardiovascular problems, weak immune system, low energy, anemia, depression, weakness, birth defects, cervical dysplasia, anemia, heart disease, cancer risk.
9.DIURETICS– Loop diuretics (Lasix, Bumex, Edecrin), Thiazide diuretics (Hydrochlorothiazide), Potassium sparing diuretics (Amiloride, Triamterene)
Nutrient Depletions: Calcium, Magnesium, B vitamins, Vitamin C, Zinc, CoQ10, Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, Folic acid, Zinc
Potential Health Problems:
Osteoporosis, heart and blood pressure irregularities, tooth decay, cardiovascular problems, asthma, cramps, PMS, depression, irritability, memory loss, muscle weakness, edema, sleep disturbance, lowered immunity, easy bruising, poor wound healing, poor sense of smell/taste, sexual dysfunction, irregular heartbeat, fatigue, dehydration, memory problems, loss of appetite, birth defects, cervical dysplasia, anemia, cardiovascular disease.
10.FEMALE HORMONES– Oral Estrogen/Hormone Replacement, Oral contraceptives
Nutrient Depletions: B vitamins, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Magnesium, Selenium, Zinc
Potential Health Problems:
Depression, sleep disturbance, increased cardiovascular disease risk, birth defects, cervical dysplasia, anemia, irritability, memory loss, muscle weakness, edema, problems with skin, eyes, mucous membranes and nerves, cracked, scaly skin, swollen tongue, diarrhea, fatigue, lowered immune system, easy bruising, poor wound healing, osteoporosis, cramps, PMS, reduced antioxidant protection, poor sense of smell/taste, sexual dysfunction.
SOURCE: DRUG-INDUCED NUTRIENT DEPLETION HANDBOOK, 2ND EDITION
Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health practitioners with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.