The Nutritional Cost of Prescription Drugs

Written by Dr Arien van der Merwe MBChB FRSPH MISMA

Extracted from ‘Herbal Remedies’ by AvdM; Tafelberg Publishers

Except for the known side effects, many of the most frequently prescribed drugs can cause nutrient depletion. Many of the side effects of drugs can be prevented by using basic food supplements when you have to use prescription medication. Some of the following information has been known since 1976! A lot of research papers have since then been published in various mainstream medical and research journals. It is only recently that James La Valle, a pharmacist and naturopath, has scanned all the published data and wrote a book on the nutritional cost of prescription medication.

Here are some examples:

Table 1:

Medication	Potential Nutrient Deficiency with Possible problems or symptoms associated with the deficiency
1. Medicine prescribed for the treatment of high blood pressure
i. Hydralazine Vasodilators (cause widening of the arteries) that contain hydralazine hydrochloride e.g. Apresoline, Hyperphen, Rolazine	Vitamin B6 – Insomnia, fatigue, ECG (electrocardiogram that measures the electrical activity of the heart) abnormalities, lowered immunity with an increased tendency towards infections, nervous system disorders Co-enzyme Q10 (Co-Q10) – Lowered energy levels, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, angina (pain over heart area during exertion), prolapse of the mitral valve in the heart, stroke, heart arhythmia (irregular heart beat), cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle), inflammation of the oral mucosa, lowered immunity
ii. Loop diuretics (increase production of urine in the loop area of the kidney) e.g. Lasix, Unat, Puresis (all containing furosemide)	Calcium – Muscle cramps, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, tooth decay, insomnia. Magnesium – Muscle cramps, muscle weakness, heart palpitations, lowered exercise tolerance, insomnia, poor appetite, nausea, vomiting, heart arhythmia Vitamin B1 & B6 – Weight loss, oedema, changes in heart rhythm, enlarged heart Vitamin C – Bleeding of the oral mucosa, discolouration and bruising of the skin, poor healing of fractures and wounds, joint pain, loose teeth and tooth decay Potassium – Muscle weakness, nervous irritability, mental disorientation Zinc – Poor healing of wounds, dermatitis, inability to taste food, night blindness (due to poor vitamin A and zinc interaction), loss of hair, lowered immunity
iii. Thiazide diuretics e.g. Urirex K, Dichlotride, Moduretic (all that contain hydrochlorthiazide)	Magnesium, potassium, zinc, co-enzyme Q10 – see above
iv. Potassium sparing diuretics e.g. Aldactone (all that contain spironolactone)	Calcium – see above Folic acid – Anaemia, depression, spina bifida (tissue doesn’t close properly over spinal column) in babies of mothers with folic acid deficiency Zinc – see above
2. Medicine prescribed for cardiovascular problems
i. Glycosides e.g. Lanoxin, that contain digoxin, for heart failure	Calcium, magnesium – see above Phosphorous – Osteoporosis, muscle weakness, cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle), dyspnoea (shortness of breath)
ii. Beta-blockers e.g. Lopressor, Inderal, Tenormin, Sectral, Dilatrend for high blood pressure	Co-enzyme Q10 – see above
iii. Anti-arrythmic drugs e.g. Cordarone, Norpace to treat irregular heart beat	Folic acid, Co-Q10, Magnesium – see above
iv. Calcium channel blockers e.g. Norvasc, Adalat, Isoptin, Dynacirc, Plendil	Folic acid, Co-Q10, Magnesium – see above
3. Cholesterol lowering drugs
Statins or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors e.g. Lipitor, Prava, Zocor	Co Enzyme Q10 – One of the most important nutrients in the body. Protects against the side effects of prescription cholesterol drugs. Increases energy (the heart is the most energy demanding muscle in the body)Magnesium oxide – Maintains normal blood pressure. Vitamin B1, B5, B6 – Supports cardiovascular health and heart function. Assists in the metabolism of protein, fats and carbohydrates.

 

Source: Healthy Lifestyles – ‘Treatment drugs: Nutrient zappers’, by James LaValle, pharmacist, naturopath.

 

Table 2:

Medication	Potential Nutrient Deficiency	Possible problems or symptoms associated with the deficiency
Antacids	Vitamin B5	Involved in the metabolism of all carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
	Calcium	Develops and maintains healthy bones. Re-balances pH of the stomach.
	Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D)	Promotes absorption of calcium and phosphorous (important for soft tissues and bone strength).
	Vitamin B12	Assists in the metabolism of protein, fat and carbohydrates.
	Vitamin B6
	Vitamin B1
	Folic AcidIron	Essential for healthy maturation and function of red blood cells. Assist in absorption of nutrients.
	Zinc amino acid chelate	Enhances the body’s immune system functioning and encourages healing of mucosal lining in stomach.
Antidepressants	Co Enzyme Q10	One of the most important nutrients in the body.Protects against side effects of prescription antidepressant drugs.Increases energy.Supports the nervous system.
	Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6	Essential for normal functioning nervous system. They’re all extremely important for nervous system function

 

Medication	Potential Nutrient Deficiency	Possible problems or symptoms associated with the deficiency
Antibiotics	Oligofructose	Promotes and supports normal intestinal flora.
	Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, biotin, inositol	Supports the immune system and the nervous system to handle the stress of the infection.
	Folic Acid	Essential for the healthy maturation and function of red and white blood cells. Enhances immune function
Medication prescribed for arthritis and pain relief	Vitamin C	Enhances the immune system.Encourages healing.Plays an important role in detoxification and antioxidant defense mechanisms in the body.
	Zinc Gluconate
	Selenium
	Calcium	Develops and maintains healthy bones.
	Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D)	Promotes the absorption of calcium.
	Magnesium Ascorbate	Vital for healthy nervous and musculoskeletal tissue.
	Potassium Ascorbate	Lack of potassium leads to muscle exhaustion and fatigue.
	Folic Acid	Important for optimal functioning musculoskeletal system.
Contraceptives (birth control pills)	Magnesium Ascorbate	Vital for the health of the female reproductive system and uterine tissue.
	Vitamin B2	Supports female reproductive function and hormone synthesis.
		Helps protect the lining of the blood vessels. Important for nervous system function.Assists in the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates to provide energy for the female reproductive system.
	Vitamin B6
	Vitamin B12
	Vitamin C	Helps support the body’s immune system.Encourages healing .
	Selenium
	Zinc Gluconate
	Folic Acid	Essential for the healthy functioning of the female reproductive system and red blood cells
	Tyrosine	Assists in balancing emotional states and other aspects of brain functioning. Also precursor of thyroid hormones that control metabolism
	Calcium	Develops and maintains healthy bones.
Estrogen replacement therapy prescribed for menopause	Vitamin B6	Helps protect the lining of the blood vessels.Assists with depression and sleep disturbances.
	Magnesium Oxide	Vital for the health of nervous and muscular tissue throughout the body, as well as the female reproductive system.

 

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