Do the Prescriptions You Take Deplete Your Nutritional Status?

DRUG

NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY

POTENTIAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

ANTACIDS/ULCER MEDICATIONS

Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac, Prevacid, Prilosec,Magnesium & luminum antacids

Vitamin B12

Folic Acid
Vitamin D
Calcium
Iron
Zinc

Anemia, depression, tiredness, weakness, increased cardiovascular risk
Birth defects, cervical dysplasia, anemia, heart disease, cancer risk
Osteoporosis, muscle weakness, hearing loss
Osteoporosis, heart and blood presssure irregularities, tooth decay
Anemia, weakness, fatigue, hair loss, brittle nails
Weak immunity, wound healthing, sense of smell/taste, sexual dysfunction

ANTIBIOTICS

Gentamycin, neomycin, streptomycin, cephalosporins, penicillins

Tetracyclines

B Vitamins
Vitamin K

Calcium
Magnesium
Iron
Vitamin B6
Zinc

Short term depletion effects are minimal, but failure to re-inoculate the GI tract with beneficial bacteria (probiotics) often results in dysbiosis which causes gas, bloating, decreases digestion & absorption of nutrients, and may also lead to a variety of other health problems.

Osteoporosis, heart & blood pressure irregularities, tooth decay
Cardiovascular problems, asthma, osteoporosis, cramps, PMS
Slow wound healthing, fatigue, anemia
Depression, sleep distubances, increased cardiovascular disease risk
Weak immunity, wound healitng, sense of smell/taste, sexual dysfunction

CHOLESTEROL DRUGS

Lipitor, Crestor, Zocor and others

Coenzyme Q10

Various cardiovascular problem, weak immune system, low energy

ANTI-DEPRESSANTS

Adapin, Aventyl, Elavil, Pamelor, & others
Major Tranquilizers (Thorazine, Mellaril, Prolixin, Serentil & others)

Coenzyme Q10
Vitamin B2

Various cardiovascular problems, weak immune system, low energy
Problems with skin, eyes, mucous membranes and nerves

FEMALE HORMONES

Estrogen/Hormone Replacement Oral Contraceptives

Vitamin B6
Folic Acid
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B12
Vitamin C
Magnesium
Selenium
Zinc

Depression, sleep disturbances, increased cardiovascular disease risk
Birth defects, cervical dysplasia, anemia, cardiovascular disease
Depression, irritability, memory loss, muscle weakness, edema
Problems with skin, eyes, mucous membranes and nerves
Cracked, scaly skin, swollen tongue, diarrhea
Depression, sleep disturbances, increased cardiovascular disease risk
Anemia, depression, tiredness, weaness, increased cardiovaascular risk
Lowered immune system, easy bruising, poor wound healing
Cardiovascular problems, asthma, osteoporosis, cramps, PMS
Lower immunity, reduced antioxidant protection
Weak immunity, wound healing, sense of smell/taste, sexual dysfunction

ANTICONVULSANTS

Phenobarbital & barbituates

Dilatin, Tegretol, Mysoline Depakane/Depacon

Vitamin D
Calcium
Folic Acid
Biotin
Carnitine
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B1
Vitamin K
Copper
Selenium
Zinc

Osteoporosis, Muscle weakness, hearing loss
Osteoporosis, heart & blood pressure irregularities, tooth decay
Birth defects, cervical dysplasia, anemia, cardiovascular disease
Hair loss, depression, cardiac irregularities, dermatitis
Various cardiovascular problems, weak immune system, low energy
Anemia, depression, tiredness, weakness, increased cardiovascular risk
Depression, irritability, memory loss, muscle weakness, edema
Blood coagulation, skeletal problems
Anemia, fatigue, cardiovascular and connective tissue problems
Lower immunity, reduced antioxidant protection
Weak immunity, wound healing, sense of smell/taste, sexual dysfunction

ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES

Steroids: Prednisone,Medrol, Aristocort, Decadron

NSAIDS (Motrin, Advil, Anaprox, Dolobid, Feldene, Naprosyn and others)

Aspirin & Salicylates

Calcium
Vitamin D
Magnesium
Zinc
Vitamin C
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B12
Folic Acid
Selenium
Chromium
Folic Acid

Vitamin C
Calcium
Folic Acid
Iron
Vitamin B5

Osteoporosis, heart and blood pressure, irregularities, tooth decay
Osteoporosis, muscle weakness, hearing loss
Cardiovascular problems, asthma, osteoporosis, cramps, PMS
Weak immunity, wound healing, sense of smell/taste, sexual dysfunction
Lowered immunity, easy bruising, poor wound healing
Depression, sleep disturbances, increased cardiovascular disease risk
Anemia, depression, tiredness, weakness, increased cardiovascular risk
Birth defects, cervical dysplasia, anemia, cardiovascular disease
Lower immunity, reduced antioxidant protection
Elevated blood sugar, cholesterol & triglycerides, diabetes risk
Birth defects, cervical dysplasia, anemia, cardiovascuar disease

Lowered immune system, easy bruising, poor wound healing
Osteoporosis, heart & blood pressureirregularities, tooth decay
Birth defects, cervical dysplasia, anemia, cardiovascular disease
Anemia, weakness, fatigue, hair loss, brittle nails
Fatigue, listlessness, and possible problems with skin, liver and nerves

DIURETICS

Loop Diuretics (Lasix,Bumex, Edecrin)
Thiazide Diuretics (HCTZ, Enduron, Diuril, Lozol, Zaroxolyn, Hygroton and others)

Potassium Sparing Diuretics

Calcium
Magnesium
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B6
Vitamin C
Zinc

Coenzyme Q10
Potassium
Sodium

Calcium
Folic Acid
Zinc

Osteoporosis, heart and blood pressure irregularities, tooth decay
Cardiovascular problems, asthma, osteoporosis, cramps, PMS
Depression, irritability, memory loss, muscle weakness, edema
Depression, sleep disturbances, increased heart disease risk
Lowered immunity, easy bruising, poor wound healing
Weak immunity, wound healing, sense of smell/taste, sexual dysfunction
Various cardiovascular problems, weak immune system, low energy
Irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, fatigue, edema
Muscle weakness, dehydration, memory problems, loss of appetite

Osteoporosis, heart & blood pressure irregularities, tooth decay
Birth defects, cervical dysplasia, anemia, cardiovascular disease
Weak immunity, wound healing, sense of smell/taste, sexual dysfunction

CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS

Antihypertensives (Catapres, Aldomet)

ACE Inhibitors (Capoten, Vasotec, Monopril & others)

Beta Blockers (Inderal, Corgard, Lopressor and others)

Coenzyme Q10
Vitamin B6
Zinc

Vitamin B1

Zinc

Coenzyme Q10

Various cardiovascular problems, weak immune system, low energy
Depression, sleep disturbances, increased cardiovascular disease risk
Weak immunity, wound healing, sense of smell/taste, sexual dysfunction
Depression, irritability, memory loss, muscle weakness, edema

Weak immunity, wound healing, sense of smell/taste, sexual dysfunction

Various cardiovascular problems, weak immune system, low energy

DIABETIC DRUGS

Metformin

Sulfonylureas (Tolinase, Micronase/Glynase/ DiaBeta)

Coenzyme Q10
Vitamin B12

Folic Acid
Coenzyme Q10

Various cardiovascular problems, weak immune system, low energy
Anemia, depression, tiredness, weakness, increased cardiovascular risk
Birth defects, cervical dysplasia, anemia, heart disease, cancer risk
Various cardiovascular problems, weak immune system, low energy

ANTIVIRAL AGENTS

Zidovudine (Retrovir, AZT & other related drugs)

Foscarnet

Carnitine
Copper
Zinc
Vitamin B12
Calcium
Magnesium
Potassium

Increased blood lipids abnormal liver function and glucose control
Anemia, fatigue, cardiovascular and connective tissue problems
Weak immunity, wound healing, sense of smell/taste, sexual dysfunction
Anemia, depression, tiredness, weakness, increased cardiovascular risk
Osteoporosis, heart and blood pressure irregularities, tooth decay
Cardiovascular problems, asthma, osteoporosis, cramps, PMS
Irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, fatigue, edema