Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion
Drug-induced nutrient depletion may be one of the most significant side effects that people are not aware of when they take prescription (and some over-the-counter) medications. So the question is how many people are at risk of developing drug-induced nutrient depletion (DIND)?
Many of the conditions physicians see in every day practice may actually be related to nutrient depletion. Unfortunately, many physicians try to address the symptoms arising from drug-induced nutrient depletion by prescribing even more drugs, further compounding the problem. Therefore, millions of Americans are already suffering from DIND, or are at a very high risk of developing it. That depletion has the potential to create more health problems, leading to more medications. This, in turn, further exacerbates nutritional deficiencies. What a vicious cycle!Does your doctor know about drug-induced nutrient depletion?
Probably not. It’s not because physicians are ignorant, but drug-induced nutrient depletion is not a topic that physicians and other healthcare practitioners are generally trained in. We physicians should be aware of DIND, but most of us know very little about it. Because this subject is rarely part of medical school or residency, most doctors are unlikely to instruct their patients to supplement the prescriptions they give them. Despite hundreds of scientific studies on DIND that have appeared in medical journals for decades, throughout the world, most of this information has not been publicized to health professionals or the general public. The table below shows some of the more commonly prescribed drugs and what they deplete.
| Prescription Drugs | Nutrient Deficiency |
|---|---|
| Drug Category | Nutrient(s) Depleted |
| ACE Inhibitors (for cardivascular disease): Lotensin, Vasotec | Sodium, Zinc |
| Antibiotics (for infections): Penicillin, Sulfonamides, Erthromycin, Cipro | Biotin, Inositol, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12 and Vitamin K, disruption of beneficial bacteria |
| Benzodiazepines (for anxiety and sleep): Valium, Zanax | Melatonin |
| Beta Blockers (for cardiovascular disease): Inderol, Lopressor | Coenzyme Q10, Melatonin |
| Birth Control Pills: Ovral, Demulen | Folic acid, Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, C, Zinc, Selenium, and trace minerals |
| Bronchodilators (for asthma and respiratory problems): | Potassium |
| Calcium Channel Blockers (for cardiovascular disease): Cardizem, Norvasc | Potassium |
| Diabetes Drugs: Metformin (Glucophage, Glucophage XR and Glucovance), Avandia | Vitamins B6, B12, Folic acid, Coenzyme Q10, Sodium, Zinc, Magnesium and Potassium |
| Estrogen (for menopause): Premarin, Prempro | Vitamin B6 |
| NSAIDS: Ibuprophen, Motrin, Naproxen | Folic Acid, Iron, Vitamin C |
| Potassium-sparing Diuretics: Aldactone, Dytac | Folic Acid, Iron, Vitamin C and Zinc |
| Psychotropic Drugs: Lithium | Folic Acid, Inositol |
| SSRI Antidepressants: Prozac, Paxil | Sodium, Folic Acid, Melatonin |
| Statins (for lowering cholesterol): Mevacor, Zocor, Lipitor | Coenzyme Q10 |
| Thiazide Diuretics: Diuril, hydrochlorothiazide | Magnesium, Coenzyme Q10, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc, Thiamine, Vitamins B6 and C |
| Thyroid Replacement: Synthroid | Calcium |
| Ulcer Drugs: Zantac, Pepcid | Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Folic acid, impaired protein digestion |
Over-the-counter drugs are also everyday micronutrient depleters (EMD). These include common remedies such as aspirin, acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antacids, laxatives, and H2 blockers (found in heartburn medication). Although they may seem harmless because you can buy them without a prescription, these popular medications can deplete a wide variety of micronutrients. The table below shows some of the most common OTC drugs and what they can deplete.
| Over-The-Counter Drugs (OTC) | Nutrient Deficiency |
|---|---|
| Drug Category | Nutrient(s) Depleted |
| Antacids (for heartburn and sometimes “Calcium” supplementation): Tums, Maalox, Calcitrate | Calcium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc |
| H2 Blockers (OTC) (for heartburn): Axid, Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac and others | Vitamin B12, Folic acid, and Calcium |
How do drugs cause nutrient depletion/deficiencies?
Drug-induced nutrient depletion/deficiencies (prescription and OTC) can occur through several mechanisms. While some
drugs interfere with the absorption of nutrients, others may lead to increased excretion. Some drugs may block the action or production of certain nutrients (like Coenzyme Q10 by Statins) within the cells. If these drugs are taken for a long time, these nutritional deficiencies may become significant, causing severe side effects.
Well-known mechanisms are:
- Absorption – Drugs can change the environment in the gastrointestinal tract in a way that reduces the absorption of needed vitamins and minerals that are in food. For example, anti-acid/heartburn medications decrease the acidic environment in the gut, decreasing calcium absorption that requires an acidic environment for optimal absorption. People who take an acid suppressor can have reduced calcium absorption, leading to risks of osteoporosis and skeletal fractures.
- Excretion – Some drugs can increase the rate at which the body breaks down a nutrient or eliminates it through the kidneys. Diuretics increase fluid and electrolyte loss through the urine, causing depletion of water-soluble nutrients, including B vitamins, Magnesium, and Potassium. This can lead to muscle spasm, cramping, palpitations, and headaches.
- Metabolism – Drugs can change how the body utilizes certain nutrients or change biochemical pathways involved in the formation of a nutrient. For example, Statin drugs inhibit the pathway of cholesterol production. But at the same time, they inhibit the production of Coenzyme Q10, which is vital for cellular energy and heart health, causing increased fatigue, muscle aches, or even heart failure.
“You can’t treat one symptom with a medication that will in turn cause 10 more symptoms and ever get ahead. If you are not using integrative medical nutrient therapy with all of your medications, you can expect the symptoms to outnumber the treatment.” Reg McDaniel, MD
Drug-induced nutrient depletion is far more common than has been acknowledged. In evaluating patients’ symptoms, doctors must assess whether symptoms are due to the illness, to the side effects of the drugs, or to drug-induced nutrient depletion. Considering the inadequate nutritional status of the majority of the population, we must remember that the illness itself may be due, in part, to nutrient deficiency. For insurance, it is easiest to provide baseline coverage: a daily high potency multivitamin mineral formula (Nutrifii Optimals-M and Nutrifii Optimals-V), CoenzymeQ10 with the omega-3 fatty acids (Omega-Q) and additional vitamin D and probiotics.
What’s the bottom line?
Physicians must look more deeply and determine underlying causes to determine whether drugs are harming patients and what we can do to reverse these effects. Consumers must be aware of these drug-nutrient depletions and do what you can to avoid taking medications whenever you can, using natural products instead or ask your healthcare professional what supplements to take with their prescriptions.
For more information or questions, fill out the form below and one of us will answer you as soon as possible.
[contact-form][contact-field label=’Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Website’ type=’url’/][contact-field label=’Comment or Question?’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]