It’s true that many drugs on the market today effectively treat health problems. But if you’re taking one of the thousands of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs that steals nutrients from your body, it’s crucial that you know what to do to protect yourself. Here are some of the worst “drug muggers”—along with supplements you may be able to take to counteract their nutrient-depleting effects…*
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Nutrient robbed: Folate. It can be depleted by aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin) and prescription NSAIDs, such as diclofenac (Voltaren). This B vitamin, which is vital for the production of the mood-regulating neurotransmitter dopamine, also helps maintain DNA and build red blood cells.
Low folate levels are associated with elevated levels of the amino acid homocysteine, which has been linked to an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.
When to be concerned: Taking NSAIDs, at recommended doses, for a few consecutive days isn’t a problem, but daily use for more than two weeks (which often occurs with such conditions as back pain and tendinitis) may compromise folate levels enough to dampen your mood.
Simple blood tests can detect dangerously elevated homocysteine levels and/or low folate levels.
Supplement to consider: If your homocysteine level is elevated or your folate level is too low, you may benefit from an activated folic acid supplement (folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, and “activated” means that it’s easily absorbed by the body). Typical dosage: 1 mg daily. Good products: Seeking Health L-5-MTHF Lozenges, $17.95 for 60 lozenges…and Thorne Research 5-MTHF, $18.65 for 60 capsules, both at Amazon.com.
Statins. Nutrient robbed: Coenzyme Q10, also known as CoQ10 or “Q.” This nutrient can be depleted by cholesterol-lowering statins, such as atorvastatin (Lipitor) and rosuvastatin (Crestor). A vitamin-like substance that acts as a powerful antioxidant, Q supports healthy brain, heart and muscle function.
Statin drugs work by suppressing an enzyme called HMG-CoA Reductase, which the body requires to produce cholesterol. But this action also depletes Q levels.
When to be concerned: Because Q (ubiquinol is its active form) supports healthy muscle function, symptoms often strike the heart muscle first, in the form of palpitations. You might also experience overall muscle aches and weakness. If such changes occur, it may be within weeks of starting a statin or not until a year later.
Supplement to consider: In a study published in The American Journal of Cardiology, CoQ10 supplements reduced muscle pain severity by 40% over a 30-day period in people taking statins. Typical dosage: 100 mg of CoQ10 daily—it’s best taken in the morning because of its energizing effect, while a statin is usually taken in the evening when cholesterol production peaks. Good products: Healthy Origins Ubiquinol, $58.30 for 150 softgels, Amazon.com…and Nature Made CoQ10 Liquid Softgels, $23.99 for 40, Walgreens.com.
Acid blockers. Nutrients robbed: B vitamins, minerals such as calcium, magnesium and zinc, and other nutrients. They can be depleted by acid blockers and antacids used to treat heartburn and reflux.
These drugs reduce stomach acid production, which raises pH level. But while less stomach acid means less painful heartburn, it also means less acid to break down the food you eat, compromising your body’s absorption of important nutrients.
For example, when used for a year or more, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) acid blockers, such as omeprazole (Prilosec) and esomeprazole (Nexium), may double risk for hip fracture in adults over age 50—likely due to the sharp drop in calcium and vitamin D absorption.
Less acid also can increase one’s risk of developing adult-onset food sensitivities—for example, even if you’ve never been bothered by dairy or wheat products, you might have stomach problems when you eat these foods after three to six months of daily PPI use. Long-term use of PPIs also has been shown to deplete magnesium enough to cause irregular heartbeat and seizures. For this reason, your doctor should monitor your magnesium level every four to six months if you take a PPI.
When to be concerned: Restless legs syndrome, elevated blood sugar and unexplained digestive complaints may be due to a PPI-induced magnesium deficiency.
Supplements to consider: Spirulina and chlorophyll, two natural types of algae, are the most effective and convenient ways to restore the nutrients depleted by acid blockers. Follow label instructions. Good products: Nutrex Hawaii Spirulina Pacifica, $21.46 for 180 tablets, Amazon.com…and Sun Chlorella, $25.54 for 300 tablets, Amazon.com.
Antidepressants. Nutrient robbed: Iodine, a mineral required for healthy cell metabolism and thyroid function. It can be depleted by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the most widely prescribed antidepressants in the US.
When to be concerned: If you’re low on iodine (urine testing is available), you may experience hair loss, weight gain, depressed mood and lowered immunity—all due to sluggish thyroid function.
Supplements to consider: For low iodine, consider kelp or iodine supplements. Follow label instructions. Good products: Solgar North Atlantic Kelp, $11.98 for 250 tablets, iHerb.com…ThyroScript (a product I helped formulate), $29.95 for 60 capsules, ScriptEssentials.com.
*Never stop taking a prescription drug without talking to your doctor. Also, check with your doctor before trying these supplements if you take any medications or have a chronic medical condition.
