Many of us are taking some form of medication, whether it be the contraceptive pill, antidepressants, statins, blood pressure medication, or even if it’s just sporadic use of antibiotics, paracetamol, aspirin, or ibuprofren. The question is, do you know these medications and many others are actually causing deficiencies in vital vitamin and minerals in your body? Well… you probably didn’t know this. If you are now wondering “Am I deficient in any of these vitamins or mineral?” please read on.

Here are the most common medications and each vitamin or mineral they deplete, which often are the vitamins & minerals you need to help the condition you are taking them for ironically:

Contraceptive Pill- Vitamin B2, B6, B12, Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Zinc, Magnesium.

Antibiotics- Lactobacillus and Bifodbacterium gut flora. Biotin, Pantothenic Acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), Riboflavin (B2), Thiamine (B1), Vitamin B12, Vitamin K, Folic Acid. Plus others deplete Magnesium, Potassium, Calcium, Iron & Zinc.

Statins- CoQ10, Omega 3.Beta-Carotene, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Folic Acid.

Blood Pressure medications- Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, B1, B6, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C.

Antidepressants- Calcium, Magnesium, B1, B6.

Paracetamol/Asprin- Folic acid, Vitamin C, Iron.

Ibuprofen- Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Magnesium.

Prescribed antacids- Calcium, Beta Carotene, Chromium, Folic Acid, Iron, B12, Vitamin C, Zinc.

Diabetic medication (Metformin)- Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B1.

Anti-inflammatory drugs (Steroids)- Calcium, Magnesium, Folic Aid, Potassium, Selenium, Vitamin C, Vitamin D.

Asthma Pumps- Magnesium, Potassium, B6.

Antihistamines- Vitamin C.

Thyroid medication (Thyroxine)- Calcium.

If you are taking any of these medications it may be a good idea to get yourself checked for any potential deficiencies through your GP or privately. If you are currently considering taking any of these medications at the moment then think carefully about if it is absolutely necessary and if there is a natural alternative, as a lot of the time the conditions you are taking them for are due to deficiencies and taking these medications are potentially going to make things worse. If you feel there isn’t an alternative please consider taking a good multivitamin and mineral to correct any deficiencies caused by these.

Please follow me on Twitter and like me on Facebook for more nutritional facts and tips.