Many people taking long-term medications are unaware that those medications may be depleting them of vitally important nutrients that are essential for health and wellbeing. Most of us already struggle to get the RDA (recommended daily allowance) of vitamins and minerals, so if you are also taking medications that can deplete them more rapidly than usual, it is important to give yourself extra nutritional support, because deficiencies of certain vitamins and minerals and other micronutrients can even contribute to the development or worsening of chronic disease states.

Of course you should always consult your personal health care provider before making any changes to your medication or supplement regimen. The list below is not comprehensive, but is a quick look at some of the most important nutrients that can be depleted by some of the most common medications. These nutrients are crucial for energy production, detoxification, immune function, neurologic function, and for other countless vital biochemical processes in the body. Medication groups are listed, followed by some of the likely or possible depletions.

* Diabetes medications (such as Metformin): vitamin B12, folic acid, Coq10

* Cholesterol lowering medications (statins): Coq10

* High blood pressure medications

* Beta-blockers (such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, etc): melatonin, coQ10

* ACE-Inhibitors (such as lisinopril, enalapril): zinc

* Diuretics ("water pills" such as Lasix and hydrochlorothiazide): magnesium, potassium, zinc, coq10

Acid blocking medications

* H2 blockers (such as ranitidine): B12, vit D, zinc, iron, folic acid

* Proton pump inhibitors (such as Prilosec, pantoprazole, etc): B12

* Oral contraceptives: B vitamins, folic acid, magnesium, zinc

Taking a good multivitamin may help replenish these nutrients, but there are many low quality varieties out there, so work with your health care provider to find one of high quality. And keep in mind that because of genetics, lifestyle, use of medications, and environmental toxins, some people need more of certain vitamins/minerals than what is normally in a multivitamin. The most important thing is to prioritize a nutrient-dense diet and an overall healthy lifestyle; doing this may also decrease the need for some medications, or may allow for doses to be lowered.

Monica Eggleston, ARNP, FNP-C, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner at Lakeside Holistic Health. She treats adults and children of all ages. Visit our website at www.lakesideholistic.com or call us at (208) 758-0568 for more information or to schedule an appointment. To learn more about this topic, come to Monica's upcoming presentation at Natural Grocer's, Wednesday, Dec. 17 from 6-7 p.m.