Are Your Medications Draining Your Vital Nutrients?
When medications help, but take something away too.
By Ignatius Anane-Ansah, pharmacist
Medications play a critical role in managing chronic conditions and improving quality of life. What many people don’t realise is that some of the medications they rely on every day can quietly lower essential vitamins and minerals. Over time, this can lead to fatigue, weaker immunity and other unexpected problems.
As a pharmacist, I’ve seen this happen many times. That’s why I help people understand how their medications affect their nutrient levels, and what they can do about it.
Statins and CoQ10
Widely used to lower cholesterol, statins can reduce CoQ10, a nutrient your cells need to make energy. Low CoQ10 may contribute to muscle aches and fatigue.
Metformin and vitamin B12
A mainstay of diabetes care, metformin can reduce how well you absorb vitamin B12, which matters for nerve health and energy.
Acid reducers (PPIs) and minerals
Medications for heartburn and reflux can lower magnesium and calcium, which may affect bone health over time.
What you can do
You don’t have to choose between managing your condition and feeling your best. With the right guidance, you can replace these nutrients safely: identify likely depletions, choose supplements that suit you, and avoid interactions.
Never stop or change a prescription on your own. Ask me or your prescriber first.
