As our Harbor Health teams work with you to manage chronic conditions, we know medications can play a critical role in improving health outcomes. However, some medicines may interfere with how essential nutrients are absorbed or metabolized, leading to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. We spend time educating our members about medication, possible drug interactions, and potential impacts on nutrition. Here are eight common medications that could have a negative effect on your body’s ability to maintain proper nutrition and thrive.
Metformin (Type 2 Diabetes) Metformin can reduce vitamin B12 absorption in the gut, which could contribute to anemia or nerve damage. Symptoms of B12 deficiency include fatigue, weakness, and numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. Talk to your clinician about getting B12 level checks and methods to supplement with B12-rich foods like dairy, eggs, meat, and nutritional yeast, or you may need B12 supplements that could be taken orally or via injection.
Statins (High Cholesterol) Taking statins for high cholesterol can reduce levels of CoQ10, which may contribute to muscle pain and fatigue. You should talk to your doctor about your symptoms, and he or she will be able to help you determine if CoQ10 supplementation is appropriate for you. There are oral supplements, and you can also incorporate foods like fatty fish, nuts and seeds to improve CoQ10 levels.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs for Acid Reflux or GERD) PPIs reduce stomach acid which helps in the absorption of nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc. Symptoms could include fatigue, shortness of breath, increased risk of bone fractures, muscle cramps, and impaired immune functions. If you’re taking PPIs long term, you and your doctor should monitor the levels of these nutrients and supplement if appropriate.
Chemotherapy or Radiation (Cancer Treatment) Cancer treatments can cause deficiencies in various B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, iron, zinc, and electrolytes. Side effects of cancer treatments like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may lead to reduced food intake and nutrient loss. Cancer treatments also directly damage cells in the intestines, impairing absorption. Work with your clinician and your oncology team to discuss diet and supplementation.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (Type 2 Diabetes) As GLP-1s slow digestion in the intestines, food intake is decreased. You may become deficient in protein and fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). You should make sure you’re eating a good amount of healthy fats and protein sources and work with your health team to determine if you need other supplementation.
Diuretics (High Blood Pressure and Heart Failure) Potential deficiencies caused by taking diuretics include levels of potassium, magnesium, and sodium. Diuretics increase urine output, leading to increased excretion of these electrolytes and water-soluble vitamins. Your clinician may want to monitor these nutrients and advise you to incorporate potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, and oranges, and magnesium-rich foods like nuts, seeds, and whole grain bread.
Antihypertensives (Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors) Some blood pressure medications could reduce zinc levels, which is important for immune function and wound healing. People taking them may consider including foods like beans, nuts, whole grains, and lean meats in their diets. We also encourage them to make sure they get the proper amount of electrolytes.
Steroids (Corticosteroids like Prednisone for Autoimmune Conditions) When you are taking steroids long term, they can interfere with calcium, vitamin D, and potassium absorption. They can also increase calcium loss and weaken bones. Often, steroids increase appetite, potentially leading to poor food choices. Talk to your health team about your diet and consider increasing nutrient intake through supplements and foods like dairy products, bananas, and spinach.
We’ll take the time to discuss your medications and the potential impact they can have on your nutritional balance. We encourage you to be open with our health teams about how the medications make you feel and any symptoms we can address. Our health coaches can also support you in making diet changes to supplement any nutrition deficiencies. Make an appointment to see one of our providers at our 11 clinics throughout Central Texas.
