While prescription medications can have lifesaving benefits, many of the top 100 drugs prescribed in the U.S. have been shown to deplete a variety of nutrients. In fact, when taken regularly, some frequently prescribed medications can diminish or deplete the body’s stores of important vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

Nutrients like vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants and other plant nutrients, are essential for many metabolic processes from the brain down to the toes. Every cell relies on a daily vitamin and mineral rich bath to perform its daily functions. It is estimated that up to 30 percent of pharmaceutical side effects are the result of drug-induced nutrient deficiencies. What’s more, these nutrient deficiencies can often cause additional side effects.

Among the most common drugs linked to nutrient depletion are oral contraceptives, cholesterol-lowering statins, and antibiotics. These, and many other over-the-counter and prescription medications, can interfere with your body’s ability to digest, absorb, synthesize, or make use of certain nutrients. Increasing consumption of nutritious food or supplementing with evidence-based, high-quality nutraceuticals ensures the best performance your medications. Nutritional supplements can also reduce adverse side effects, increase patient comfort and compliance, and improve therapeutic efficacy and clinical outcomes.

We have researched some of the most common medications, and the vitamins and minerals affected. We will continue to investigate these and build our library of common drug-nutrient depletion handouts, available with your medications at our pharmacy. Our pharmacists and wellness specialists are passionate about the relationship between pharmacy and nutrition and are happy to answer questions. For further information on this subject read Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion: The Warnings Not Listed on Your Rx Label.

Please stop in, call or contact us online today!