Table of Contents
Introduction
The use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs is extremely prevalent in North America and in most Western developed world. It is reported that 46% of Americans take at least one prescription drug daily. In 2005, the Minnesota Board on Aging showed that for individuals over the age of 65, 21% took five or more prescription drugs every day; 25% took 3-4 prescription drugs per day, 36% took 1-3 prescription drugs per day, while only 18% did not take any prescription drugs on a daily basis.
This article lists the most common drugs used by individuals living in developed countries along with vitamins and minerals that they deplete from the body. If you, or someone you care about, is taking any of these drugs, then the appropriate action in most cases entails taking a high potency multiple vitamin that is enriched with antioxidants, a B-50 complex and 500 mg of calcium. A supplement of this nature can really help your body counter drug-induced nutrient depletion, as well as being a cornerstone of wellness care for most adults.
Summary of nutrients depleted by commonly used drugs
The following is a summary of nutrients depleted by commonly used drugs:
Laxatives are associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Calcium
Antibiotics are associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2
- Biotin Pantothenic Acid
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Zinc
Cholesterol – lowering drugs such as, Cholestyramine, Colestripol, Questran, Colestid, Atromid-S, are associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Vitmain A
- Vitamin B12
- Beta-carotene
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin K
- Iron
Colchicine, used to treat gout, is associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- Folic Acid
- Iron
Prednisone and related steroid drugs are associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin D
- Zinc
- Magnesium
- Vitamin C
- Calcium
Nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin (ASA). are associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin K
- Iron
Antacid drugs are associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B1
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin B12
- Chromium
- Iron
Oral contraceptive drugs are associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Beta-carotene
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B6
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin B12
- Biotin
- Pantothenic Acid
- Vitamin C
- Magnesium
- Zinc
Sedatives and barbituate drugs are associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin B12
- Pantothenic Acid
Estrogen replacement therapy is associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin B12
- Biotin
- Pantothenic Acid
- Vitamin C
- Magnesium
Many antidepressant drugs are associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B6
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Coenzyme Q10
Many anticonvulsant drugs are associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Folic Acid
- Biotin
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Zinc
Amphetamine and amphetamine-containing drugs are associated with depletion of Vitamin B1
Indomethacin is associated with depletion of VitaminB1
Levodopa, used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, is associated with depletion of Vitamin B6
Diuretic drugs are associated with depletion of the following nutrients:
- Vitamin B1
- Calcium
- Potassium (thiazide drugs especially)
- Magnesium
- Zinc
ACE-Inhibitor drugs (Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors), used for high blood pressure, are associated with depletion of zinc
Beta-blockers, used in the treatment of high blood pressure, are associated with depletion of coenzyme Q10
Statin drugs (e.g. Lipitor), used in the treatment of high cholesterol, are associated with depletion of coenzyme Q10
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References
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