“Half of women and 43% of men in England are now regularly taking prescription drugs,” (The Health Survey for England 2015)
Many of us are taking some form of medication, however long-term doses of many medications have been found to cause nutrient deficiencies without any obvious symptoms.
Prescription drugs can deplete nutrients through many mechanisms, including impaired nutrient absorption, storage, transport, metabolism, or even excretion, and deficiencies in vitamins and minerals may increase the risk of developing diseases.
Ironically, often the conditions you are taking them for are due to deficiencies as often the medication being taken to help a condition, depletes the vitamins and minerals required to prevent the development of a condition. (see list of common medications below and each vitamin and mineral they deplete)
Potential moderate nutrient depletion issues caused by medications according to the Natural Medicines Database:
Contraceptive Pill- Vitamin B2, B6, B12, Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Zinc, Magnesium.
Antibiotics- Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium gut flora. Biotin, Pantothenic Acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), Riboflavin (B2), Thiamine (B1), Vitamin B12, Vitamin K, Folic Acid. Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, Iron & Zinc.
Statins- CoQ10, Omega 3.Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Folic Acid.
Blood Pressure medications- Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, B1, B6, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C.
Antidepressants- Calcium, Magnesium, B1, B6.
Paracetamol/Aspirin- Folic acid, Vitamin C, Iron.
Ibuprofen- Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Magnesium.
Prescribed antacids- Calcium, Beta Carotene, Chromium, Folic Acid, Iron, B12, Vitamin C, Zinc.
Diabetic medication (Metformin)- Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B1.
Anti-inflammatory drugs (Steroids)- Calcium, Magnesium, Folic Acid, Potassium, Selenium, Vitamin C, Vitamin D.
Asthma Pumps- Magnesium, Potassium, B6.
Antihistamines- Vitamin C.
Thyroid medication (Thyroxine)- Calcium
If you are taking any medications you may want to consider checking your nutritional status for any potential deficiencies through your GP or privately. If you have been recently advised to take any medications, then you may want to consider taking a natural alternative without any side effect. If this option is not available to you, and you have to take a medication you may want to consider taking a multivitamin and mineral supplement alongside to prevent or correct any potential deficiencies.
Taking multivitamins and minerals is the easiest way to provide all of the basic daily nutrient coverage to anyone on medication.
Click here to view our range of supplements.
