Every year new medications are developed to treat diseases. Early on, medication therapy focused on cures for acute illnesses, primarily infectious diseases. Over time, the focus has shifted to prolonging life by treating chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol levels which all contribute to cardiovascular disease. As a result, more people take more medications for longer periods of time than ever before. While there is no doubt that medications have played a major role in increasing life expectancy, there is also no doubt that they also have side effects. A side effect of prescription and over-the-counter medications is the depletion of essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for health. This is known as drug-induced nutrient depletion. This effect has been known and studied for over twenty years but has not been widely appreciated until recently as the evidence of drug induced nutrient depletion has grown. Some consequences of nutrient depletion include anemia, osteoporosis, leg cramps, muscle weakness, depression, fatigue, cardiovascular problems, lowered immunity, insomnia, and diarrhea. Unfortunately, many health care professionals are not aware of these nutritional depletion related health problems. Problems are often compounded as more medications are added to combat these symptoms, worsening nutrient depletion. Fortunately, some of the unfavorable consequences of drug-induced nutrient depletion can be reduced by replenishing the body of lost nutrients.

Many medications including those for ulcers, high cholesterol, depression, inflammation, arthritis, diabetes, heart, blood pressure, and contraception can deplete B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, folic acid, magnesium, zinc and other nutrients. A high-potency multivitamin with minerals is important for replenishing nutrients.

Another nutrient depleted by medications is coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like compound important in the production of energy in body cells. It is an important antioxidant and protects cardiovascular tissues. We receive very little CoQ10 from our diet; most of it is manufactured within the cells of the body. Several classes of drugs including statins used to lower cholesterol, anti-depressants, anti-psychotics, diabetes medications and cardiovascular drugs interfere with the production of CoQ10. CoQ10 deficiency can cause a lack of energy, muscle weakness and aches, increased insulin resistance and cardiovascular problems. By replenishing CoQ10 with supplementation, the risk of CoQ10 deficiency is reduced which decreases side effects and allows for maximum benefit from drug therapy.

Virtually all antibiotics can cause nutrient depletion by killing helpful bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. These bacteria are important for digestion and the absorption and production of vitamins and other nutrients. These bacteria also help in the resistance to infection by harmful bacteria and other infectious agents. Symptoms of a bacterial imbalance include acne, diarrhea, constipation, yeast infections, bladder infections, food allergies, bad breath, bone loss, anemia, anxiety, and vitamin deficiencies. Taking a probiotic formula containing healthy bacteria during and after antibiotic treatment can help restore the balance of healthy bacteria.

The consequences of drug-induced nutrient depletion are just now being appreciated. Supplementation with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics can help reduce or avoid side effects from medications and help maximize the benefits of drug therapy. Ask your pharmacist to recommend nutritional supplements to meet your specific needs if you take prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Reference: http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2006/mar2006_report_drugs_01.htm.

[Return to Archive Index]

[PageTop]