Are you Suffering from Drug Induced Nutrient Deficiencies?

I am not here to bash prescription drugs. Despite our commitment to health and wellness through a nutritious diet and lifestyle, along with a few well -placed supplements, there are times when drugs are necessary. Whether you take them or not is your personal choice guided by an informed physician.

What I do want to highlight is the nutrient deficiencies caused by the use of certain common medications. These may be more common than you think. Let’s look at three very popular prescription drugs. Did you know?

Birth control pills (oral contraceptives) deplete folic acid, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12, vitamin C, vitamin E and the minerals magnesium, selenium and zinc? In turn, these vitamin and mineral depletions may be responsible for health issues including anemia, fatigue, insomnia, depression amongst many others.

Solution: Take a high-potency multivitamin/mineral formulation each day. Eat a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.

Anti-diabetic drugs are increasingly prescribed due to the sheer numbers of adults being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Biguanides (Metformin, Glucophage) can deplete B12, folic acid and Coenzyme Q10 placing individuals taking these drugs at greater risk for anemia, fatigue/low energy, insomnia, cardiovascular disease and accelerated aging.

Solution: Supplement with B12/folic acid combination,  CoQ10 and a daily multivitamin/mineral. (CoQ10 requires adequate amounts of vitamin B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, folic acid, vitamin C and trace minerals for its biosynthesis). Eat a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.

Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs specifically statin drugs (HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors) deplete Coenzyme Q10 levels, potentially causing muscle weakness, low energy, weakened immunity and blood sugar regulation problems.  A new study released earlier this month in the Archives of Internal Medicine revealed that post-menopausal women taking statins to reduce cholesterol are at a higher risk of developing diabetes. 

Solution: Supplement with CoQ10 and a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement. (CoQ10 requires adequate amounts of vitamin B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, folic acid, vitamin C and trace minerals for its biosynthesis). Eat a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.

These three examples highlight the need to become informed of potential nutrient depletions many common prescriptions (and over the counter medications) may cause.  Your quality of life is in your hands. Make sure you obtain the knowledge to make informed decisions based on your personal health situation; then put it in action.

Reference: Pelton, R., LaValle, J., (2004). The nutritional cost of drugs: Second edition. Morton Publishing

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