April 2023
Drugs that Deplete Vitamins and Minerals
Did you know that common medications can deplete your body of nutrients essential to your health? Our reliance on prescription medications has contributed to the growing problem of nutrient depletion. The truth is that every medication, including over-the-counter drugs, may deplete your body of specific, vital nutrients. The good news is that you can significantly reduce the risk of vitamin/mineral depletion with targeted supplementation.
Drug-Induced Depletion is Widespread
Nutrient depletion from the chronic use of medications tends to be slow and insidious, often being misdiagnosed as another illness.
Here are some examples of symptoms caused by nutrient depletions:
Vitamin B12: Fatigue, pale or yellow skin, headaches, depression, GI Symptoms(diarrhea, nausea, constipation,bloating, gas), difficulty with focus/concentration, mouth/tongue burning, numbness/burning of hands and feet.
Vitamin B6: Fatigue, dermatitis with cheilosis (scaling on the lips and cracks at the corners of the mouth), glossitis (swollen tongue), depression, confusion, and weakened immune function.
Folic Acid: Paleness, shortness of breath (dyspnea), irritability, dizziness, mouth sores, change in sense of taste, memory loss, confusion, depression.
Vitamin C: Low energy, weakness, irritability, weight loss, vague muscle and joint pain.
Co-Q10: Heart failure, muscle pain, weakness, irritability, mood swings, depression and impotence.
Calcium: Painful muscle spasms, twitching of muscles, numbness or tingling in hands and feet.
Magnesium: Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, muscle spasms, anxiety, depression, elevated blood pressure.
Potassium: Constipation, palpitations, fatigue, muscle weakness or spasms, tingling or numbness.
Iron: Fatigue, weakness, chest pain, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, headache, dizziness, brittle nails, cold hands and feet.
Melatonin: Insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, night-time awakenings.
Zinc: Hair loss, nail changes, diarrhea, frequent infections, irritability, loss of appetite, impotence.
Probiotics: Irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn or bloating, sleep issues, skin rashes, sugar cravings.
Common Nutrient Robbers
We need to be aware of drugs can be nutrient robbers.
The following provides some of the major drug categories and the deficiencies they can cause. This is by no means a complete list.
Anti-Hypertensives(medications to control high blood pressure)
Diuretics
Common Names: Lasix, Bumex, Hydrochlorthiazide, Dyazide, Maxzide
Possible Depletions: Potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, pyridoxine, thiamine and vitamin C
Beta Blockers
Common Names: Metoprolol(Lopressor, Toprol XL), Carvedilol(Coreg), Atenolol (Tenormin) , Propranolo(Inderal), Labetalol(Trandate), Bisoprolol, Nadolol(Corgard)
Possible Depletions:Coenzyme Q-10(Co-Q10), Melatonin
ACE Inhibitors
Common Names: Lisonopril(Prinivil, Zestril), Enalopril(Vasotec, Lotensin),Benazepril( Altace, Ramipril).
Possible Depletions: Zinc
Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs
Common Names: Lipitor(atorvastatin), Zocor(simvastatin), Crestor(rosuvastatin), Pravachol(pravastatin)
Possible Depletions: Co Q10(Coenzyme Q10)
Acid Blockers
Common Names: Tagamet, Pepcid, Axid, Zantac, Prilosec, Aciphex, Protonix
Possible Depletions: B12, folic acid, iron zinc, vitamin D, calcium
Oral Hypoglycemics( Medications to treat diabetes)
Common Names: Metformin (Glucophage, Glucophage XR and Glucovance)
Possible Depletions: B12, Folic acid
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Common Names: All birth control pills, estradiol, Premarin
Possible depletions: Vitamins B6 and B12, folic acid and magnesium
Antibiotics
Possible depletions: Calcium, Magnesium, probiotics, B vitamins, Vitamin K
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