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.
Drugs for High Cholesterol
Cholesterol Lowering Medications (Statin) such as Crestor, Lipitor, Zocor and Pravachol are prescribed to try and reduce LDL “Bad” cholesterol and raise HDL “good” cholesterol.
These medications work for many people, this paper is to help inform what can happen to vital nutrients. Specifically Co-Enzyme Q10 (CoQ10) which is a necessary antioxidant. Statins deplete this and the side effects (some severe) can be significant. These side effects can be:
- Heart Failure- the heart weakens and can lead to Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). CoQ10 is considered the most valuable nutrient for patients with heart failure. Studies have shown increased risks of heart failure in statin users. It is vital to add this nutrient back to help avoid the heart from weakening.
- Muscle weakness or pain- This is a side effect that should not be ignored. Severe side effects can develop.
- Low energy/Fatigue
For many medications to work, they require a cofactor or coenzyme. The statins need CoQ10 to work, so if the levels of CoQ10 get low the medicine is less effective. The need for supplementing CoQ10 is a must if using statins..
The general rule of thumb is for every 1 mg of statin, take 10 mg of CoQ10. So 20 mg of statin, use 200 Mg of CoQ10.
This is not at all meant to suggest not using the medication but rather to know how to avoid possible deficiencies that can lead to side effects that can be serious.
Another name for CoQ10 in supplement form is Ubiquinol. Some studies show Ubiquinol to be a superior form of CoQ10.
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