By Sandra Wilkins
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 writes guide books on nutrition and wellness. Her background includes 14 years experience in natural health practices, so her combined natural health and clinical nutritional experience makes her uniquely qualified to help clients to tackle health issues. http://www.easystepsfordiabeteshealth.com
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 writes guide books on nutrition and wellness. Her background includes 14 years experience in natural health practices, so her combined natural health and clinical nutritional experience makes her uniquely qualified to help clients to tackle health issues. http://www.easystepsfordiabeteshealth.com
December 1, 2009 at 4:20 AM
Very informative and useful article. Definitely it is very important to know what vitamin or mineral can be affected by the drug prescribed to the patient so that you can act accordingly.
Regards,
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