You know to ask your pharmacist or doctor how your prescriptions could interact with other medicines and even alcohol. But, have you ever thought to ask how your prescriptions could be impacting the vitamins and minerals in your body?
“Many patients may be unaware of the nutritional impact of medications,” said Dr. Jon Minzner, a primary care physician with St. Elizabeth Physicians. “While tending to acute and other preventative care issues during a time-limited office visit, often these nutritional issues may be overlooked.”
It’s still important to think about how your body may be reacting to the prescriptions you are taking. While some medication side effects can’t be avoided, you can take steps to reduce the impact they have on your vitamins and minerals.
This is a quick reference to bring to your doctor’s office for your next appointment. Review it with your primary care physician and, together, determine if a vitamin regimen will help you feel better.
Drug Category | Possible Nutrient Deficiency |
Antacids, ulcer medications |
CalciumFolic acid
Iron Vitamin B12 Vitamin D Zinc |
AntibioticsCephalosporin and Penicillin
Tetracyclines |
Vitamin B
Vitamin K
Calcium Iron Magnesium Vitamin B6 Zinc |
Anticonvulsants |
BiotinCalcium
Carnitine Copper Folic Acid Selenium Vitamin B1 Vitamin B12 Vitamin D Vitamin K Zinc |
Antidepressants | Coenzyme Q10Vitamin B12 |
Anti-inflammatoriesNSAIDS (Motrin, Aleve, etc.)
Steroids |
Folic Acid
Calcium Chromium Folic Acid Magnesium Selenium Vitamin B6 Vitamin B12 Vitamin C Vitamin D |
Antiviral agentsFoscarnet
Zidovudine |
Calcium
Magnesium Potassium
Carnitine Copper Vitamin B12 Zinc |
Cardiovascular drugsACE inhibitors
Antihypertensives
Beta blockers |
Zinc
Coenzyme Q10 Vitamin B1 Vitamin B6 Zinc
Coenzyme Q10 |
Cholesterol drugs | Coenzyme Q10 |
Diabetes drugs | Coenzyme Q10Folic acid
Vitamin B12 |
Diuretics | CalciumCoenzyme Q10
Potassium Sodium Vitamin B1 Vitamin B6 Vitamin C Zinc |
Female hormonesSalicylates | Calcium
Folic acid Iron Vitamin B5 Vitamin C |
Source: “Drug Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook“, 2nd Edition, by: Ross Pelton; James B. LaVelle; Ernest B. Hawkins.