Have you ever been sick and was under antibiotic medication? How was your feeling while you were under medication or after it? Weren’t you weak? I hope the answer should be- yes because I felt the same and saw many of them in that condition. When the situation is a bit severe, you might have even observed the medico administering antibiotic along with some nutrients. Have you ever asked him why? Or do you know why do you get weak??? The possible reason for it could be ‘Drug Induced Nutrient Deficiency’.
Drug Induced Nutrient Deficiency
Medications benefits by relieving us from different diseases, but, they tend to interfere with the intake, metabolism and absorption of certain nutrients that may lead to their respective deficiencies in the body.
So, it is always important to replenish the lost nutrients and thereby achieve good health.
Hence, let’s see some of the …..
Common medications and the nutrients to be consumed with them:
Aluminium Antacids – The very common over the counter drug:
Popular remedy used for acidity, heartburn, etc. these are alkaline substances used to neutralize the stomach acids from stimulating the burning sensation. Fruits are the best nutritional supplements.
Frequent consumption of antacids may lead to vitamin deficiency symptoms and mineral deficiency like vitamin A, folic acid, vitamin D, calcium, chromium, iron, phosphorous, magnesium and zinc.
These lost nutrients can be replenished either by consuming foods rich in those nutrients or by using multivitamin and mineral supplements.
Oral Contraceptives:
It is also one of the popularly used over the counter drug by women in most developed nations. These are taken to halt pregnancy or even menses in some cases.
Many studies report that oral contraceptives deplete the levels of B vitamins, including folic acid, B6, riboflavin, and B12, as well as magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C.
Folic acid deficiency causes many problems in women and vitamin c deficiency lowers immunity. So, it is very important replenishing them.
It can be replenished by taking B-Complex nutrient supplements or multivitamin and minerals.
In the case of parenteral contraceptives, people may be a deficit of calcium and vitamin D
Atenolol – beta blockers: Anti hypertensive
These medications are taken to treat angina and hypertension, it prevents migraines, and heart attack.
Taking this medicine may deplete your supply of, increase your need for, or interfere with the activity of coenzyme Q10 and melatonin.
To compensate this, you can consult your physician and take 100-300mg of co-enzyme Q 10 supplements and 1-3 mg of melatonin.
Thiazide diuretics: Anti-Hypertensives
When a patient is suffering from persistent high blood pressure, with no connection with the lifestyle interventions, the first medication given by doctors often will be hydrochlorothiazide.
This medication can deplete the levels of potassium and sometimes the water loss because of diuretics may even lead to deficiency of sodium, magnesium, coenzyme Q10 and B vitamins.
So along with the cardiac medication its preferable to take coenzyme Q 10. You can even consult your doctor before taking it.
Metformin – A common Anti-diabetic drug
Metformin (Glucophage) is commonly prescribed medicine to diabetics. It is also prescribed to people having poly-cystic ovarian syndrome to offset insulin resistance.
Long-term use of metformin can deplete levels of folate and vitamin B12.
These B vitamins are important for cardiovascular health, especially for people with diabetes who are already at increased risk for heart disease.
Antibiotics:
Antibiotics, as most of you all know are used to treat any microbial infections. These medications decrease the level of beneficial intestinal micro flora (probiotics), thereby disturbs the digestive health and immunity.
To combat this depletion, it’s always better to take probiotic rich food or probiotic supplements when you are under antibiotic medication.
Tetracycline antibiotics:
When these antibiotics are prescribed, try not to take them along with milk or other mineral products because they form a complex with calcium, iron, magnesium and Zinc.
But, consider replacing the required minerals if you are prescribed with tetracycline’s for a long time.
Hope you all got a good idea about your routine medications and the required nutrient replenishment. So, always know about the prescribed medication and its side effects from your healthcare professional and replenish the required nutrients to avoid becoming prey for some other disease.
Do share this valuable information which takes no time and help the mankind.
