ngoing scientific studies indicate that some medications can be responsible for depleting nutrients the body needs for optimal health.

Nutrient thieves
Twelve of the top 20 most frequently used prescription drugs are known to cause clinically significant nutrient depletion. These include common drugs such as anti-biotics, antidepressants, and birth control pills along with medications that treat diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and epilepsy.

Women must be especially aware of the potential for nutrient depletion. As women age, they require increased amounts of certain nutrients like calcium and Vitamin D. They are more likely to go on calorie restrictive diets – removing the good along with the bad – eliminating essential fats, or healthy, necessary carbs. And, few women know that oral contraceptives and some hormone therapies also lower levels of the vital nutrients Vitamin B2, B6 and B12, Vitamin C, folic acid, magnesium and zinc.

Connections, symptoms and countermeasures
Drug-induced nutrient depletion may result when a drug alters the body’s ability to digest, absorb, synthesize, transport, store, metabolize or eliminate nutrients. Common symptoms are: nausea, vomiting, appetite loss, constipation, headache, confusion, lethargy, fatigue, restlessness, irritability, muscle weakness, spasms or cramps. The strength and consistency of skin, hair and nails can be affected. If the drug connection isn’t identified, symptoms treated with additional medications can compound side effects.