COLUMN: Which Nutrients to Supplement When Taking Certain Medications
By Dr. Brenda Gill
Medications can deplete our nutrients by changing the way a nutrient is absorbed, produced, stored or eliminated. Some medications lower stomach acid, which is needed to break down protein, carbohydrates and fat, so, reduced digestion can result in reduced absorption of nutrients. Other medications bind on to certain substances in the blood, like bile, but, will also decrease the absorption of fat soluble vitamins. Another problem is drugs that block the production of a nutrient, like statins, which inhibit the pathway that produces cholesterol, but, CoQ10 as well, which is a preventative for heart disease! Some medications increase the breakdown or elimination rate of the nutrient. Others increase urine output, thus increasing loss of water soluble nutrients, like magnesium and potassium. This list gives you an easy way to see if you are being affected, which nutrients are depleted, how it may be affecting you and therefore need supplementing. (The source for this information is the Physician’s Desk Reference; Drug Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook, better known as the PDR.)
Drug Nutrients Depleted
Antacids:
Pepsid, Tagamet, Zantac Vitamin B12, Folic acid, Calcium Vitamin D, Iron, Zinc
Proton pump inhibitors
Prevacid, Prilosec Vitamin B12, Magnesium
Lack of these nutrients can cause: decreased energy, memory and concentration, gum disease, muscle cramps and heart disease.
Antibiotics
Amoxicillin, Erythromycin, beneficial intestinal bacteria
Penicillin, Tetracycline calcium, potassium, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, Biotin, Vitamin K
Lack of these nutrients can cause: reduced beneficial intestinal bacteria that help produce Vitamin K, muscle aches, poor blood sugar regulation, decreased energy, irregular heart beat, cardiovascular disease and adrenal imbalance.
Anti-depressants
Clomipramine, Elavil, Co-enzyme Q10, B2, B12, folic acid
Nortriptyline, Amitriptyline
SSRIs melatonin
Lack of these nutrients can cause: sleep disturbance, lack of energy, poor memory, concentration and focus, brain fog, depression, irritability and hormonal imbalances.
Anti-diabetics
Metformin Vitamin B12, folic acid,
Co-enzyme Q10, magnesium
Glyburide, Glipizide CoQ10
Lack of these nutrients can cause: poor metabolism and reduced cellular absorption and elimination, muscle cramps, anemia and irreversible nerve damage (neuropathy due to demyelination).
Analgesics
Acetaminophen(Tylenol) glutathione, B12
Lack of these nutrients can cause: decreased ability to handle toxins, reduced liver detoxification
Anti-inflammatories
NSAID’s(salicylates, Aspirin) Vit C, Folic acid, Iron, Potassium
Advil, Aleve, Dolobid,
Feldene, Indocin, Lodine
Motrin, Nalfon, Naprosyn,
Orudis, Relafen, Voltaren Folic acid
Betamethazone, Cortisone Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Folic acid,
Budesonide, Hydrocortisone Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium,
Prednisolone, Prednisone Selenium, Zinc
Lack of can these nutrients can cause: osteoporosis, fractures, decreased energy, muscle aches, increased risk of stroke and damaged digestive lining
Anti-hypertensives
Beta blockers (Atenolol etc) CoQ10
Calcium channel blockers Potassium
ACE inhibitors (Ramapril, Zinc
Lisinopril, Capropril)
Loop diuretics (furosemide) Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium,
B1, B6, Vitamin C, Zinc
Thiazide diuretics (HCTZ- Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc
Hydrochlorothiazide)
Potassium-sparing diuretics folic acid, CoQ10, Calcium
(Spironolactone, Triamterene)
Lack of these nutrients can cause: cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, lack of energy, and muscle aches.
Cholesterol-lowering
Resins (Cholestyramine, beta-carotene, folic acid, Vitamins
Colestpol) A, D, E and K
Statins (simvastatin, CoQ10, copper, selenium, zinc
Atorvastatin, lovastatin)
Fibrates (fenofibrate) CoQ10, Vitamin E
Lack of these nutrients can cause: cardiovascular disease, skin sensitivity to sun, osteoporosis, increased colds/flus and decreased energy.
Laxatives
Lubricant laxatives Vitamins A, D, E and K,
(mineral oil) beta-carotene
Stimulant laxatives Potassium
(Bisacodyl, senna)
Lack of these nutrients can cause: muscle aches or cramps, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.
If you are taking any of these medications, you should consider an appointment to see if any of your vitamin or mineral levels are low. For an appointment with Dr. Brenda Gill, call 250-362-5035.
