Top10 Nutrient Depleting Drugs

Top 10 Nutrient Depleting Drugs

Atorvastatin: In a double-blind trial, individuals with high cholesterol who were treated with lovastatin or pravastatin (drugs related to atorvastatin) for 18 weeks had a significant reduction in blood levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).1 One study found that supplementation with 100 mg of CoQ10 prevented declines in CoQ10 levels when taken with simvastatin (another HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor drug).2 Many doctors recommend that people taking HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor drugs such as atorvastatin also supplement with approximately 100 mg CoQ10 per day, although lower amounts, such as 10–30 mg per day, might conceivably be effective in preventing the decline in CoQ10 levels.

Azithromycin: Several cases of excessive bleeding have been reported in people who take antibiotics.7 8 9 10 This side effect may be the result of reduced vitamin K activity and/or reduced vitamin K production by bacteria in the colon. One study showed that people who had taken broad-spectrum antibiotics had lower liver concentrations of vitamin K2 (menaquinone), though vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) levels remained normal.11 Several antibiotics appear to exert a strong effect on vitamin K activity, while others may not have any effect. Therefore, one should refer to a specific antibiotic for information on whether it interacts with vitamin K. Doctors of natural medicine sometimes recommend vitamin K supplementation to people taking antibiotics. Additional research is needed to determine whether the amount of vitamin K1 found in some multivitamins is sufficient to prevent antibiotic-induced bleeding. Moreover, most multivitamins do not contain vitamin K.

Estrogens (Combined): A small preliminary trial found most women taking conjugated estrogens therapy without a progestin to have lower levels or a deficiency of vitamin B6.7 Numerous studies have found negative effects of oral contraceptives (OCs) on vitamin B6 status,8 9 10 although some studies suggest that vitamin B6 deficiency does not occur when low-dose OCs are used.11 While OCs contain different forms of estrogen than conjugated estrogens, there is a possibility of a similar problem when any form of estrogen is supplemented, but more research is needed.

Inhaled Corticosteroids: 1) Most of an inhaled dose of beclomethasone is actually swallowed, which may lead to reduced absorption of calcium.1 Health practitioners may recommend calcium supplementation to individuals using beclomethasone inhalers. 2) Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) A group of women with asthma who had been taking inhaled beclomethasone were shown to have low levels of DHEA compared to women with asthma who were not taking beclomethasone.2 The authors speculated that this effect may partially explain how corticosteroids can cause osteoporosis. However, more research is needed to confirm these suspicions and to evaluate whether supplemental DHEA is beneficial to patients taking inhaled corticosteroids.

Lansoprazole: 1) Omeprazole, a drug closely related to lansoprazole, taken for seven days led to a near-total loss of stomach acid in healthy people and interfered with the absorption of a single administration of 120 mg of beta-carotene.1 It is unknown whether repeated administration of beta-carotene would overcome this problem or if absorption of carotenoids from food would be impaired. Persons taking omeprazole and related acid-blocking drugs for long periods may want to have carotenoid blood levels checked, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and consider supplementing with carotenoids. 2) Folic acid is needed by the body to utilize vitamin B12. Antacids, including lansoprazole, inhibit folic acid absorption.2 People taking antacids are advised to supplement with folic acid. 3) Omeprazole, a drug closely related to lansoprazole, has interfered with the absorption of vitamin B12 from food (though not supplements) in some,3 4 but not all, studies.5 6 This interaction has not yet been reported with lansoprazole. However, a fall in vitamin B12 status may result from decreased stomach acid caused by acid blocking drugs, including lansoprazole.

Omeprazole: 1) Folic acid is needed by the body to utilize vitamin B12. Antacids, including omeprazole, inhibit folic acid absorption.1 People taking antacids are advised to supplement with folic acid. 2) Omeprazole interferes with the absorption of vitamin B12 from food (though not from supplements) in some2 3 4 5 but not all6 7 studies. A true deficiency state, resulting in vitamin B12-deficiency anemia, has only been reported in one case.8 The fall in vitamin B12 status may result from the decrease in stomach acid required for vitamin B12 absorption from food caused by the drug. This problem may possibly be averted by drinking acidic juices when eating foods containing vitamin B12. However, all people taking omeprazole need to either supplement with vitamin B12 or have their vitamin B12 status checked on a yearly basis. Even relatively small amounts of vitamin B12 such as 10–50 mcg per day, are likely to protect against drug induced vitamin depletion.

Oral Corticosteroids: Calcium, Chromium, Magnesium, Melatonin, Potassium, Selenium, Vitamin B6, Vitamin D.

Pravastatin: In double-blind trials, treatment with pravastatin and other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors has resulted in depleted blood levels of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).1 2 Supplementation with 90–100 mg CoQ10 per day has been shown to prevent reductions in blood levels of CoQ10 due to simvastatin, another drug in the same category as pravastatin.3 4 However, some investigators have questioned whether it is worthwhile or necessary for individuals taking HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors to supplement with CoQ10.5 Until more is known, people taking pravastatin should ask a doctor about supplementation with 30–100 mg CoQ10 per day.

Risperidone: Vitamin B6, Vitamin E

Simvastatin: Co Enzyme Q 10

SOME INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE FROM rbc HealthNotes

This website is brought to you as a public service by Creating Health Institute, celebrating 50+ years in natural health, blending science with the natural healing arts.
CHI is a tax-exempt, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. We ask that you consider making a tax-deductible donation to help us continue this work.