The information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It does not take into account a person’s individual or specific health needs, including but not limited to, health status, allergies, medical conditions, prescribed medications and/or health supplements. You should always consult with your medical doctor or other qualified health provider to discuss your individual health needs.

Common Drug-Induced Nutritional Deficiencies

While medications are essential for managing various illnesses and diseases, they can also lead to side effects. People are often aware of common side effects such as drowsiness or nausea, but may not realise that their medications can also cause nutrient depletion. This is because certain medications can interfere with the absorption, metabolism, and utilisation of various nutrients in the body, leading to nutritional deficiencies.

Short-term medication use usually does not result in nutrient deficiencies; however, long-term use can diminish or deplete the body's stores of important vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.

If overlooked, nutrient depletion can lead to underlying health issues and more frequent health care visits. This is because the body relies on nutrients for proper functioning, and a deficiency can result in additional side effects such as anaemia, depression, pale skin, fatigue, and more severe medical problems.

In this health insight, we review 12 common drugs and their potentially to cause nutritional deficiencies, by discussing their individual mechanisms of action within the body.

Doctor Holding Medications

12 Common Drug-Induced Nutritional Deficiencies

1. Antibiotics

  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Vitamin K, B vitamins (especially B12)

  • Mechanism: Antibiotics can disrupt gut flora, which play a role in synthesising these vitamins.

2. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) and Antacids

  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Vitamin B12, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron

  • Mechanism: These medications reduce stomach acid, which is necessary for the absorption of these nutrients.

3. Diuretics

  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Zinc

  • Mechanism: Diuretics increase the excretion of these minerals through urine.

4. Metformin

  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Vitamin B12, Folate

  • Mechanism: Metformin may interfere with vitamin B12 absorption and affect folate levels.

5. Statins

  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

  • Mechanism: Statins inhibit the production of CoQ10, a substance necessary for energy production in cells.

6. Oral Contraceptives

  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Folate, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Magnesium, Zinc

  • Mechanism: Oral contraceptives can alter the metabolism and absorption of these nutrients.

Encapsulated Minerals on a Spoon

7. Anti-Epileptic Drugs (AEDs)

  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Vitamin D, Calcium, Folate

  • Mechanism: AEDs can induce enzymes that accelerate the metabolism of these vitamins and minerals.

8. Corticosteroids

  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Calcium, Vitamin D, Potassium

  • Mechanism: Corticosteroids can decrease calcium absorption, increase calcium excretion, and affect vitamin D metabolism.

9. Chemotherapy Drugs

  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Various vitamins and minerals, Protein

  • Mechanism: Chemotherapy can cause damage to the digestive tract, leading to poor absorption of nutrients.

10. Cholestyramine and Other Bile Acid Sequestrants

  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)

  • Mechanism: These medications bind bile acids, which are necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

11. Anti-Convulsants

  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Vitamin D, Folate, Biotin

  • Mechanism: These drugs can induce hepatic enzymes, leading to increased metabolism of these nutrients.

12. Anti-Depressants (SSRIs)

  • Nutrient Deficiencies: Sodium (Hyponatremia)

  • Mechanism: SSRIs can cause the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), leading to low sodium levels.

Food is Medicine

Management and Prevention

To manage and prevent drug-induced nutritional deficiencies:

  • Regular Monitoring: Periodic blood tests to monitor nutrient levels.

  • Dietary Adjustments: Incorporating nutrient-rich foods into the diet.

  • Supplementation: Taking supplements as prescribed by healthcare providers.

  • Medication Review: Regularly reviewing medications with your Doctor to identify potential risks and consider alternatives if necessary.

Naturopathic Scope of Practice

Naturopaths are qualified and trained to provide professional healthcare alongside conventional medical professionals such as GPs / Doctors. However, Naturopaths are not qualified to provide advice on a client’s current medication, or to recommend alternative pharmaceutical drugs, or to encourage a client to discontinue taking medication prescribed by a medical doctor. It's important to consult with a medical doctor before making any changes to medications. Such advice is beyond the scope of practice of a naturopath.

Naturopaths are qualified and trained in reviewing a client’s case (which may involve reviewing diagnostic tools such as blood pathology test results) to determine health status, prescribe nutritional supplements to correct nutritional depletions and recommend diet and lifestyle modifications to support overall health and vitality.

Naturopaths are qualified and trained in conducting naturopathic consultations with clients, including reviewing such cases periodically with their clients to determine overall health, health journey progress, and recommend adjustments to treatment plans (which may involve the reviewing of diagnostic tools such as blood pathology test results).

Detailed and thorough naturopathic consultations allow naturopaths to determine health status, prescribe nutritional supplements to correct any drug-induced nutritional depletions and to recommend diet and/or lifestyle modifications to support overall health and vitality.

It's important to also note that many factors can affect nutrient levels, including diet, lifestyle, medical history, and the length of medication usage.

Naturopathic Practitioners at Optimal Vitality can assist clients to select supplement options and make recommendations following a naturopathic consultation taking into account a client’s health status and treatment goals, and upon conducting a review of a client’s medications.

The information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.

Schedule an appointment with a Naturopathic Practitioner at Optimal Vitality to learn more about how naturopathy can support you on your health journey.