From the February 2001 Issue of Nutrition Science News
Drug
Nutrient Depletions
Potential Depletion Problems
Barbituates
(Amytal, Tuinal, Butalan, Buticaps, Butisol Sodium, Mebaral, Brevital, Barbita, Nembutal, Luminal, Solfoton, Seconal, Pentothal)Calcium
Heart/blood pressure irregularities, osteoporosis, tooth decay
Folic acid
Anemia, birth defects, cardiovascular disease, cervical dysplasia
Vitamin D
Hearing loss, muscle weakness, osteoporosis
Vitamin K
Blood clotting and skeletal problems
Phenytoin
(Dilantin)Biotin
Cardiac irregularities, depression, dermatitis, hair loss
Calcium
Heart/blood pressure irregularities, osteoporosis, tooth decay
Folic acid
Anemia, birth defects, cardiovascular disease, cervical dysplasia
Vitamin B1
Depression, edema, irritability, memory loss, muscle weakness
Vitamin B12
Anemia, increased cardiovascular risk, tiredness, weakness
Vitamin D
Blood coagulation and skeletal problems
Carbamazepine
(Carbatrol, Epitol, Tegretol)Biotin
Cardiac irregularities, depression, dermatitis, hair loss
Folic acid
Hearing loss, musle weakness, osteoporosis
Vitamin D
Anemia, birth defects, cardiovascular disease risk, cervical dysplasia
Primidone
(Mysoline)Biotin
Anemia, birth defects, cardiovascular disease risk, cervical dysplasia
Folic acid
Cardiac irregularities, depression, dermatitis, hair loss
Valproic Acid
(Depacon, Depakene, Depakote)Carnitine
Cramps, fatigue, muscle weakness
Folic acid
Anemia, birth defects, cardiovascular disease risk, cervical dysplasia
The scientific basis for this information is from published studies using these drugs or drugs from the same pharmacological class. Advise customers to ask their doctor or pharmacist if any of their medications can cause nutrient depletions.
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.
Return to the Nutrient Depletion Page
Since 2-01-2001