From the November 1999 Issue of Nutrition Science News
Drug | Nutrient Depletions | Potential Health Problems | |||
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General Antibiotics |
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penicillins, cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, macrolides, aminoglycosides, sulfonamides | Lactobacillus acidophilus; Bifidobacteria bifidum (bifidus); vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, K; biotin, inositol | short-term depletion effects are minimal | |||
calcium | heart/blood pressure irregularities, osteoporosis, tooth decay | ||||
magnesium | asthma, cardiovascular problems, cramps, osteoporosis, PMS | ||||
iron | anemia, brittle nails, fatigue, hair loss, weakness | ||||
tetracyclines, sulfonamides | Lactobacillus acidophilus; Bifidobacteria bifidum (bifidus); vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, K; biotin, inositol | short-term depletion effects are minimal | |||
neomycin | beta-carotene; vitamin A, B12 | minimal problems with short-term use | |||
co-trimoxazole | Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacteria bifidum (bifidus), folic acid | minimal problems with short-term use | |||
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Tuberculosis Antibiotics |
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Isoniazid |
Vitamin B6 |
Anemia, tiredness, weakness, increased cardiovascular disease risk |
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Vitamin B3 |
Skin, gastrointestinal and nervous system problems |
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Vitamin D |
Osteoporosis, muscle weakness, hearing loss |
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Rifampin |
Vitamin D |
Osteoporosis, muscle weakness, hearing loss |
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Ethambutol |
Zinc |
Slow wound healing, loss of sense of smell and taste, lower immunity |
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Copper |
Anemia, fatigue, cardiovascular and connective tissue problems |
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Advise your customers to ask their pharmacists or doctors if any of their medications can cause nutrient depletions. The scientific basis for this information is from published studies using these drugs or drugs from the same pharmacological class.
Reprinted with permission from Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook (Lexi-Comp, 1999) by Ross Pelton, Ph.D., C.N.; James B. LaValle, N.D., C.N., D.H.M.; Ernest B. Hawkins; and Daniel L. Krinsky. |