There will always be times when medications are essential. But did you know that their use, especially over the long term, can make you deficient in certain vitamins? Let’s take a closer look at the medications to be aware of and strategies to put in place to counter any vitamin shortfalls.
Here are the medications to know about when it comes to depletion of those essential vitamins and minerals.
Thyroid medications
Thyroid medications such as levothyroxine impact the absorption of vitamin B, which can lead to nerve issues. Currently, there are over 1.3 million people in the UK taking these medications for an underactive thyroid. Low vitamin B can affect your entire health, leading to fatigue, reduced cognitive function and nerve issues. If you feel a change in your wellbeing, you can try taking vitamins and minerals in a supplement form, or boost your nutrition to ensure a total spectrum of vitamins and minerals.
Blood pressure medication
These medications, such as diuretics, can cause muscle weakness due to low potassium levels. The diuretic effect can flush out essential minerals. It helps to eat a diet rich in potassium, including avocados, bananas and sweet potatoes, but it’s also important to have your nutrient levels checked regularly.
Arthritis and asthma drugs
Medication such as corticosteroids is often used to manage rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and lupus. They reduce inflammation very well, but they can also reduce calcium levels and lead to higher risks of weak bones and osteoporosis. Again, it’s important to take a wide spectrum of vitamins and minerals, eat a nutritious diet, supplement where appropriate and regularly get checked.
Treating medication-related vitamin deficiencies
Other medications are also a challenge, including statins, and long-term use of most medications is likely to have some kind of ongoing effect on your vitamin and mineral levels. Diet and smart supplementation are your starting point, but it’s also important to monitor any symptoms and get regular checks from your doctor, who can arrange tests with your condition and treatment in mind.
