Vitamins and minerals are nutrients that your body needs to function normally and are found in healthy food choices. However poor diet, high stress levels, environmental pollution and certain diseases can cause your body to have a shortage of these nutrients and if left untreated, a deficiency can result. Recent scientific studies have shown that certain medications can also cause nutrient depletions. This is known as drug-induced nutrient depletion and can be a serious problem. In fact, 12 of the top 20 most frequently used prescription drugs have been shown to cause nutrient depletions. These include: birth control pills, antibiotics and antidepressants as well as medications used to treat diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

The problem
If left untreated, nutrient depletion can lead to serious health problems. Our fast paced, high stress lifestyle makes eating healthy and exercising regularly very difficult. Some people believe that multiple vitamins are the best health insurance because they help provide the body with what’s lacking in your diet. However, the solution may not be this simple. Your pharmacist knows that your medications may be robbing your body of more nutrients than a multiple vitamin can replace and that you may need additional supplements.

Medications that cause nutrient depletion
Even if you eat properly, birth control pills or injections can destroy folic acid and other vitamins and minerals which can lead to disease such as abnormal cells in the cervix. Deficiency resulting from birth control use can also increase your risk of becoming depressed, experiencing anxiety and low sex drive. If you take birth control medication regularly, you need to protect yourself; a multiple vitamin is a start but may not be enough.