Nutrient Depletion and Prescription Drugs
Chris D. Meletis, ND (with permission from cpmedical.net, access pin: 587556)
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the number of adults aged 55-64 taking at least one pharmaceutical in the last month rose from 62 percent in 1988-1994 to 73 percent in 1999-2002.1 The large number of individuals taking pharmaceutics suggests that the potential for drug-nutrient interaction is substantial. The following discussion looks at common medications and the nutrient depletion considerations.
Common Pharmaceuticals that Deplete Nutrients
Hormone Replacement
In the U.S. from 1999 to 2002, approximately 15 million women were taking HRT annually accounting for 90 million prescriptions per year.2 Oral contraceptive pills (OCP) also contain estrogen/progestin combinations. Research suggests that estrogens significantly deplete several B vitamins. Oral estradiol decreases pyridoxines (vitamin B6) as well as albumin in postmenopausal women.3 This vitamin B6 deficiency is believed to be associated with a disruption in tryptophan metabolism.4 Proper tryptophan metabolism is essential for serotonin production, which is essential for proper mood stabilization and contentment in life.
