Medications that deplete nutrients and what you can do about it

medications, drugs, nutrient deficiency, chronic, long term use,Vitamin B6, Folate, Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, Vitamin K, Iron, Vitamin B12, B-Carotene, Zinc, Glucocorticoids, statins, Diuretic, antidepressants, proton pump inhibitor, Corticosteroids, asprin, Oral Contraceptives

Medications are designed to make us better, however some medications, as they work to correct an imbalance, can deplete the body of nutrients and lead to other health problems. Nutritional depletion usually only occurs with chronic use of these medications, however the ramifications for health and well-being can be far reaching.

The sensible solution to this problem is to increase intake of the nutrient being depleted through diet modification or vitamin supplementation. Vitamin supplementation in particular might be needed to bring back nutritional balance if the nutritional deficiency is severe or has been long-term.

Following is list of medications that have been shown to contribute to nutritional deficiency, along with the nutrients they deplete. This list is based on a U.S. study conducted in 2018.

MEDICATION  NUTRIENT DEPLETED
Oral Contraceptives (estrogen and/ or progesteroneVitamin B6
Vitamin B12/ Folate
Calcium
Magnesium
Vitamin C
Vitamin E.
AsprinVitamin CIron
Acid Suppressing Drugs (Proton Pump Inhibitors)  Vitamin B12
Vitamin C
Iron
Calcium
Magnesium
Zinc
B-Carotene.  
Corticosteroids (inhaled)Calcium
Vitamin D.
Antidepressants (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)Folate
Calcium
Vitamin D.
Anti-Hypertensives Including: Diuretics, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors, Calcium Channel Blockers.  Calcium
Magnesium
Thiamin
Zinc
Potassium
Folate
Iron
StatinsCoenzyme Q10
Vitamin D
Vitamin E
B-Carotene
Biguandides (Metformion) ThiazolidinedionesVitamin B12
Calcium
Vitamin D
Glucocorticoids (oral)Calcium
Vitamin D
Sodium
Potassium
Chromium.

The following table outlines how these nutrients can be replaced after long term nutrition deficiency:

NUTRIENTHOW TO REPLACE NUTRIENT 
B-CaroteneDiet rich in yellow and orange fruits and vegetables as well as green leafy vegetables.
B-Carotene supplements
CalciumDiet rich in milk,  yogurt, cheese and other dairy foods as well as seeds, sardines and green leafy vegetables, in particular kale.
Calcium supplements.
Coenzyme Q10Diet rich in oily fish such as fish or tuna, organ meats such as liver and kidney, and whole grains.
Coenzyme Q10 supplements.
FolateDiet rich in legumes, eggs, asparagus, leafy green vegetables, citrus  and beetroot.
Folate supplements.
IronDiet rich in red meat, organ meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, dried fruit, and legumes.
Iron supplements
MagnesiumDiet rich in pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, almonds, cashews, peanuts, soy milk and spinach.
Magnesium supplements
PotassiumDiet rich in avocados, sweet potatoes, spinach, watermelon, beans, legumes, dried apricots and coconut water.
Potassium supplements.
ThiaminDiet rich in black beans, sunflower seeds, corn, pork and trout.
Thiamin supplements.
ZincDiet rich in oysters, crab, lobster, pumpkin seeds, almonds, oats, lamb and beef.
Zinc supplements
Vitamin B6Diet rich in milk, ricotta cheese, salmon, tuna, eggs, chicken liver, beef, carrot, sweet potato and spinach.
Vitamin B6 supplements
Vitamin B12Diet rich in animal liver and kidneys, beef, clams, sardines, tuna, dairy and eggs.
Vitamin B12 supplements.
Vitamin CDiet rich in fruit and vegetables, in particular rockmelon, berries, citrus, chillis, capsicum and Kakadu plum.
Vitamin C supplements
Vitamin DSun exposure on bare skin at safe times of the day.
Diet rich in fatty fish such as salmon and fish liver oils.
Vitamin D supplements
Vitamin EDiet rich in wheat germ oil, sunflower seeds and oil, almond seeds and oil, pine nuts, peanuts, Atlantic salmon and avocado.
Vitamin E supplements.

Note from National Custom Compounding: We have over 15 years’ experience personalising vitamin supplements to assist with nutrient deficiency caused by long-term medication use.

We can make up vitamin supplements that combine multiple vitamins and minerals in one simple tablet, customised to your specific needs.

For more information on the safety, quality and efficacy of our products contact National Custom Compounding on 1300 731 755 or [email protected].  We’re always happy to chat.

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