Blog / Health & Beauty

Common medications that cause nutritional deficiency

Many of the common prescription and over-the-counter medications that we take can cause nutritional deficiencies and lead to (or exacerbate) various health issues. There are millions of people around the world who are unknowingly deleting their bodies of important nutrients over time and causing more health problems. 

Here are 6 common prescription and over-the-counter medications which may cause nutrient deficiencies.

Oral Contraceptives

Many studies have shown that women who take oral contraceptives have depleted levels of B vitamins, folic acid, vitamin C, magnesium, selenium, zinc and the amino acid tyrosine. This may lead to low energy, low immunity, muscle pains and depression among other symptoms.

Acid blockers

Symptoms of acid reflux (heartburn) and indigestion are extremely common and sufferers take prescription and over-the-counter acid blockers to provide fast relief.  These medications work by lowering the amount of acid in the stomach which can relieve painful heartburn symptoms, however stomach acid is important to regulate the absorption of many nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract. Use of acid-blocking medication can cause the depletion of vitamin B12, vitamin D, folic acid, calcium, iron, and zinc.

Metformin

The diabetes medication Metformin (also known as glucophage) is prescribed for diabetics as well as those with insulin resistance and polycystic ovarian syndrome. Long-term use of this medication can deplete the body of folic acid and vitamin B12 which may lead to cardiovascular health problems and poor iron absorption.

Antidepressants

Medication that regulate mood, like tricyclic and SSRI antidepressants, deplete the body of B vitamins, Vitamin C, zinc, calcium, magnesium, selenium and L-glutathione. These nutrient deficiencies may lead to symptoms like low immunity, fatigue and muscle cramps.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs

Over-the-counter painkillers like Asprin and Ibuprofen are some of the most commonly used medications. Long term use of NSAIDs can lead to depletion of calcium, magnesium, vitamin C, folic acid and essential fatty acids. This may result in high blood pressure, low immunity and muscle cramps.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are largely prescribed to kill infections caused by bacteria but in addition to killing the disease-causing bacteria they also kill off the good bacteria in the body. This causes an imbalance in the gut bacteria which can lead to inflammation, low immunity and poor digestive health.  There are certain antibiotics that can also bind to minerals and inhibit absorption of magnesium, calcium, zinc and iron.

If you are taking any of these medications you may want to supplement with  good quality multivitamin and minerals, as well as a probiotic, essential fatty acids, antioxidant complex, B vitamin complex, vitamin D and calcium depending on which medication you take. However, always take these nutrients away from medication as it may inhibit their absorption. Always do research and ask your doctor or pharmacist about any nutrient deficiencies that could occur from new medication that you are prescribed.

Sources

http://www.alive.com/health/common-drugs-deplete-nutrients/
http://www.alive.com/health/drug-induced-nutritional-deficiency/