Three of the most common drug types (antibiotics, antidepressants, and oral contraceptives) are among the many that readily add to the cascade of nutrient deficiencies.

The knowledge that long-term use of many drugs leads to nutritional deficiencies of specific nutrients is not new; it has been documented by a large number of studies done over the last three decades.
Women should be especially concerned with drug-induced nutrient depletion. Few women know that oral contraceptives lower the levels of such vital nutrients as Vitamin B2, B6, and B12, Vitamin C, folic acid, magnesium and zinc. Mainstream hormone replacement (chiefly Premarin, but also Estratab and raloxifene) can also lead to deficiencies in Vitamin B6, magnesium and zinc. Heart patients, diabetics, epileptics and heavy users of corticosteroids and anti-inflammatories are also particularly at risk for drug-induced nutrient deficiencies.

A person suffering from high blood pressure and heart disease is likely to be deficient in coenzyme Q10, folic acid and magnesium. Unfortunately, the drugs commonly prescribed for cardiovascular disease and hypertension tend to deplete those very nutrients. Some of the side effects of those drugs may in fact stem from drug-induced nutrient deficiencies. To compound the irony, chances are that if the patient had been taking CoQ10, folic acid and magnesium, there may not have been a need for these dangerous drugs. Thus, millions of people develop serious disorders in which nutrient deficiencies play a significant role; the same people then end up taking medications that often further deplete various critical nutrients.
More common medication that cause nutrient depletion include aspirin and other salicylates, Ibuprofen, Indomethacin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. Celebrex unfortunately also depletes folic acid. Methotrexate, used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and various cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma, is notorious for depleting folic acid. Likewise, the use of corticosteroids, barbiturates such as Phenobarbitol, sulfa drugs such as Bactrim, certain antibiotics, diuretics and oral contraceptives can cause a deficiency of folic acid.

So what is the take home message….? To constantly replace the precious vitamins that the body is being stripped of constantly. Whether this is via stress or drugs of any kind, it’s important to take a daily multi-vitamin to nourish the body’s need.

Nutrient 950 is a complete hypo-allergenic, nutrient rich, highly bioavailable multi-vitamin, multi-mineral and trace element supplement. It contains superior mineral cofactors and activated vitamins, and provides an excellent antioxidant profile. For ordering information, please contact Dr. Nirvana.