Previously in Part 1, we have introduced the concept that medications can deplete vital nutrients in the body. It’s an essential part in holistic nutrition to help our patients in reinforcing their nutrients through diet and supplements during long term medication use. In Part 2, we will share about nutrient needs for taking anti-depressants, oral contraceptives and blood pressure lowing medications.
Anti-depressants Nutrients potentially depleted: Coenzyme Q10, Folic Acid, Vitamin B2
These medications are used to stimulate mood and their actions affect absorption of nutrients and use up the body reserves of these nutrients. Coenzyme Q10 is the energy power house of our body cells and prolonged depletion increases the risk of congestive heart failure, muscle pain and weakness, memory problems, irritability, depression and mood swings. Folic acid is important in red blood cell formation, manufacture of neurotransmitter and immune boosting. Deficient in this vital nutrient can lead to symptoms such as extreme fatigue, insomnia and anemia. As for vitamin B2, it aids vision, maintains the integrity of mucous membranes and promotes skin health. Deficiency symptoms can be problems related to the eyes, intestine and skin.
Also, taking anti-depressants increases the need of B vitamins in order for the medications to work optimally since B vitamins work as co-factors to help synthesizing the mood regulating brain chemicals called neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine (1,2).
Oral Contraceptives Nutrients potentially depleted: Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10
Studies have found that oral contraceptives deplete these nutrients which are vital to maintain healthy blood cells, blood vessels and mental health (3). Depletion of these nutrients increases a woman’s risk of depression, weakened immune system, anemia and heart disease.
Blood Pressure Lowering Medications Nutrients potentially depleted: Vitamin B1,Potassium, Sodium, Magnesium, Coenzyme Q10
One class of medication reduces blood pressure by increasing the excretion of nutrients through the urinary system. One study showed that vitamin B1 deficiency was found in 98% of patients with congestive heart failure who took 80 mg of furosemide medication daily and in 57 percent of patients who took just 40 mg daily (4).
The other class of medication lowers blood pressure by reducing the force and speed of the heartbeat. This type of medication inhibits the production of coenzyme Q10 (5).
References:
1.Bottiglieri T. “Folate, vitamin B12 and neuropsychiatric disorders.” Nutrition Review Dec 1996; 54(12): 382-390.
2. Bottiglieri T, M Laundy, R Crellin, et al. “Homocysteine, folate, methylation, and monoamine metabolism in depression.” Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry Mar 2001; 70(3): 419.
3.Webb, JL. “Nutritional effects of oral contraceptive use: a review.”Journal of Reproductive Medicine 25(4) (Oct 1980) : 150-56.
4. Zenuk C, Healey J, Donnelly J, et al. Thiamine deficiency in congestive heart failure patients receiving long term furosemide therapy. Can J Clin Pharmacol 2003;10:184-188.
5. Kishi T, Watanabe T, Folkers K. Bioenergetics in clinical medicine XV: Inhibition of coenzyme Q10-enzymes by clinically used adrenergic blockers of beta-receptors. Res Commun Chem Pathol Pharmacol 1977;17:157-164.