Can medications cause nutritional deficiencies?
As a Chiropractor I cannot prescribe medication, nor can I direct anyone on how to take your prescribed medication. I can and do try to help people understand the vital role proper nutrition has and how it can help in their health journey. Many medications can deplete nutrients for our bodies, this is not to say medications are bad but if they cause us to lose nutrients that can cause negative side effects on our health.
Blood sugar or diabetic medications like Metformin, Glucovance or Clucophase deplete Folic Acid and Cobalamin (Vitamins B9 and B12). It does so by depleting the intrinsic factor in our stomach, which is responsible for proper absorption of these vitamins in the small intestines. The longer the medication is used and the higher the dosage the greater the loss of the vitamin. It can also deplete CoQ10, which is vital for cardiovascular protection and is an important antioxidant (more of that under the Cholesterol medications).
Some of the possible symptoms that can develop with a deficiency of B9 and B12:
- Extreme tiredness
- Lack of energy
- Tingling (pins and needles)
- Sore and red tongue
- Mouth ulcers
- Muscle weakness
- Vision disturbances
- Depression or confusion
- Memory problems
Recommended doses are B9 (folic acid) 400-800 mcg, B12 200-800 mcg and CoQ10 20-300 mg daily.
Future topics: Cholesterol, Pain medication (including OTC), High Blood pressure, Birth control, Antacids/Heart Burn and more.
Please let me know if you have any specific medications or other concerns with nutritional deficiencies.
Sincerely,
Richard J. Milne DC
https://www.facebook.com/FamilyChiropracticofRoundRock/
512-388-7246