Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion - Antibiotics

Drug-induced nutrient depletion occurs when medications that we take for various health reasons block the absorption, storage, metabolism, or synthesis of

essential nutrients in the body. Over time, these depletions can lead to secondary problems. People on multiple medications may be more likely to have reduced levels of certain nutrients. Although these nutrients are in many foods, the amount of nutrients may not be sufficient, and you may need supplementation from a high-quality vitamin/supplement.

Different types of drugs can deplete different nutrients. This week we will look at antibiotics. For a full list of drug-induced nutrient depletions, please click here.

What nutrients can be depleted with antibiotics?

Drug Category	Drug Class Description	Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletions	Recommended Supplementation	Dietary Supplements with potential for interactions with drug or drug class
Antibiotics Examples: Amoxil, Levaquin, Cipro, etc.	Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections	• Calcium • Magnesium • Potassium • Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) • Vitamin B3 (Niacin) • Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) • Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) • Vitamin B9 (Folic acid) • Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobolamin) • Vitamin K	• Calcium: 500–1000mg daily in divided doses • Magnesium: 250–400mg daily	• Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, and Zinc: When taken concurrently with antibiotics, absorption of both can be affected due to formation of insoluble complexes. • Green Tea Catechins: Certain antibiotics (fluoroquinolones) reduce clearance of some green tea constituents (caffeine and theophylline) and may increase the risk of their side effects: nervousness, palpitations, and insomia. • St. John’s wort: It causes photosensitivity and may exacerbate the photosensitizing effects of certain antibiotics.

At Compounding Solutions Pharmacy & Wellness, we offer a wide range of high-quality vitamins and supplements from brands like Pure Encapsulations, Thorne Health, our own private line, and more. For more information about vitamins and supplements, ask one of our knowledgeable pharmacists.

Sources:

https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/druginduced-nutrient-depletions-what-pharmacists-need-to-know

https://www.aafp.org/dam/AAFP/documents/about_us/sponsored_resources/Nature%20Made%20Handout.pdf