Nutrient Depletion
When you take medications, you expect them to help your health and not cause additional issues in your system such as depletion of important nutrients. However, many medications can cause nutrient depletion in many ways. Some drugs may result in a loss of appetite, which can lead to malnourishment. Others can decrease your body’s absorption of nutrients or may limit the usual positive effects of nutrients. Regardless of how nutrient depletion occurs, it is important to be aware of which medications may cause this problem and address the matter through supplements or other recommendations from your doctor or pharmacist.
The following are some of the types of drugs that may commonly lead to nutrient deficiencies and the nutrients they may affect:
- Hormone replacement therapies — May deplete folic acid, vitamins B12 and B6, magnesium.
- Antibiotics — Affect B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and “good” bacteria.
- Drugs that lower cholesterol — Statins can deplete Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a naturally-occurring antioxidant.
- Seizure medications — Anti-convulsants can affect vitamin D levels.
- Acid blockers — These medications can block absorption of many nutrients, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron, calcium, zinc, folic acid, chromium, and phosphorus.
- Medication for hypertension — Diuretics can cause deficiencies of potassium, ascorbic acid, thiamine, magnesium, sodium, and pyridoxine. Beta blockers can affect levels of CoQ10.
- Hypoglycemics — These insulin drugs can cause decreased levels of vitamin B12, CoQ10, and folic acid.
Nutrient depletion can cause many different issues with your health and can cause many side effects. While children are most at risk of serious effects of nutrient depletion, this condition can affect anyone of any age or health. The effects you may experience will depend on the particular nutrient that you are lacking, but symptoms can include the following:
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain, weakness, or stiffness
- Pain, tingling, or numbness in limbs
- Development of osteoporosis
- Reproductive problems
- Vision impairments
The good news is that nutrient depletion can be treated through diet changes, supplements, and other compensatory actions on your part. This is always an issue you should discuss with your doctor or pharmacist.
At Kress Specialty Apothecary in Barrington, New Jersey, we not only look to treat immediate medical conditions but also focus on your overall health. We can determine the risks of nutrient depletion from your medications and can make recommendations to ensure you are receiving all of the nutrition your body needs. If you would like to learn more about our many services, please call us at 856-323-8723 or stop into our store location today!