Tuesday 28 July 2015

How Certain Drugs Affect Vitamins and Minerals

Various combinations of drugs/vitamins/minerals may negate the effect of either the drugs or nutrients, while some of them may be potentially dangerous when taken in at the same time.
How Certain Drugs Affect Vitamins and Minerals
ALCOHOL
Alcohol weakens the body’s absorption of thiamin, riboflavin, niacinamide, pyrixodine, folic acid, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, selenium, and vitamin B12, C, A, and D.
ASPIRIN/NONSTEROIDAL ANTIINFLAMATION DRUGS
They affect absorption and activity of Vitamin C, folic acid, and iron.
ANTICONVULSANTS
Anticonvulsants such as phenytoin (Dilantin), phenobarbital, and primadone (mysoline) may obstruct the body’s use of folic acid (folacin) and vitamins D and K.
ANTACIDS
If used regularly, antacids, which contain aluminum, may interfere with the calcium status in the bones.
CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING DRUGS
These drugs may interfere with the status of Vitamin A, B12, D, E, K, folic acid, calcium, and iron in the body.
DIURETICS
Diuretics may cause potassium, magnesium, and zinc deficiencies.
FIBER
Long-term use of products such as Metamucil can negatively affect the body’s absorption of zinc, iron, manganese, copper, beta-carotene, and vitamin B2 (riboflavin).
LAXATIVES
Use of some stool softener can negatively affect vitamins A and D in the body, while mineral oil may lead to vitamins A, D, E and K deficiencies.
ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES
Birth-control pills may interfere with pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and folic acid.
STEROIDS
Cortisone-type steroids may cause breakdown of protein in bone and may lead to osteoporosis-like disorders. Calcium supplementation is needed if a person uses steroids.
SUNSCREEN
Sunscreens with sun protective factor (SPF) of eight and higher may block formation of Vitamin D in the skin. If a person uses sunscreen with high SPF, dietary intake and supplementation of Vitamin D is needed.

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