Vitamin Deficiencies and Prescription Drugs

The use of prescription drugs is often overlooked as a major factor that contributes to nutritional deficiencies. Typically, the focus is placed on diet and perhaps some lifestyle issues, but many are unaware that the medications they use are possibly creating additional health problems that may not become apparent for a long time. Drug-induced nutrient depletion is a health threat that is not acknowledged by the majority of health care practitioners and it's not because of a lack of information about the subject, because many studies have been published that document the drug-induced depletion of nutrients.

Nutritional deficiencies do not become obvious quickly. A marginal nutrient deficiency, referred to as a "subclinical deficiency," indicates a deficiency of a particular vitamin or mineral that is not severe enough to produce a classic deficiency sign or symptom. In many instances the only clue of a subclinical nutrient deficiency may be fatigue, lethargy, difficulty in concentration, a lack of well-being, or other vague symptoms.
Deficiency-related health problems may never be diagnosed, and the patient may end up taking additional medications for complaints that are really the body's signal for nutrition therapy.

Drugs can deplete nutrients by decreasing their absorption, or by hindering the way nutrients are transformed by the body. They can also affect the storage of nutrients or the way the body excretes the end products of the metabolism of nutrients.

The key to preventing this kind of deficiency is to know what vitamin or mineral can be affected by the drug prescribed to the patient.

If the drug will be used for a lengthy period of time the patient should simply increase intakes of the specified nutrient for the duration of the use of the drug. This simple step will help prevent deficiency-related health problems and help improve the chances of achieving the desired health outcomes for patients.

Some examples of nutrient depletion are as follows:

Antacids deplete calcium and phosphorus

Antibiotics deplete B vitamins (all of them), intestinal flora and Vitamin K

Antidiabetics deplete Coenzyme Q10

Anti-inflammatories deplete Vitamin C, folic acid, potassium and iron

Cholesterol-lowering drugs deplete Coenzyme Q10

Cardiovascular drugs deplete calcium, folic acid and zinc

Ace Inhibitors deplete zinc

Beta-Blockers deplete Coenzyme Q10 and melatonin

Sandra Wilkins, D.T. has extensive experience in natural health and clinical nutrition. As a Dietetic Technician Sandra works with hospital staff dietitians, performing patient nutrition assessments,food and drug interaction education, and patient diet education. In a different capacity she provides
nutritional counseling for patients, by appointment, for an established family practice comprised of physicians who incorporate the use of supplements into the protocols established for their patients. She also conducts seminars
for the practice,covering topics such as women's health, weight management, information on supplementation, and the effects of nutrition on health. Her background includes 12 years experience
in the natural health arena, where she continues to provide nutrition and wellness counseling. She has a strong foundation in natural health practices and product knowledge. Her combined natural health and clinical nutritional experience makes her uniquely qualified to help clients pursue their goals. http://www.justwhatthedoctorordered.com