Is your medication depleting you of nutrients?
- Lisa Absher
- Sep 28
- 3 min read
Many prescription and over-the-counter medications can interfere with the body’s
absorption of essential vitamins and minerals. Decreased amounts of key nutrients over
time may lead to unwanted side effects. While almost every drug interferes with the
production or absorption of nutrients in some way, many interactions are minimal.
However, if you are chronically taking a medication, it is important to investigate nutrient
depletions and possibly add supplements to make up for the loss of key nutrients.
One of the most prescribed drugs is birth control, used by 14% of women aged 15-49
(1). Birth control pills, also known as “oral contraceptives” (OCs), can cause many side
effects, including mood changes, sleep disturbances, and weight gain. Unfortunately,
many patients are unaware that these pills can also rob our bodies of many key
nutrients. Studies have shown that birth control pills deplete folate and B12, which are
important nutrients for nerve development and blood cell production. Low levels of these
vitamins can cause fatigue, mood disturbances, and brain fog. Folate is an especially
important nutrient if pregnant, as it contributes to the healthy development of fetuses.
Both folate and B12 levels tend to normalize within 3 months of stopping birth control,
but it is a good idea to supplement while on OCs.
Another commonly prescribed class of drugs are antidepressants called selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This class includes drugs like Lexapro
(escitalopram), Prozac (fluoxetine), and Zoloft (sertraline). While these antidepressants
help many patients, they may also come with annoying side effects, like sleep
disturbances and GI changes. These side effects may be a result of nutrient depletion,
as SSRIs can inhibit absorption of several key vitamins and minerals, including
magnesium, zinc, selenium, and vitamin D. Magnesium is a necessary component for
over 300 processes in the human body, including energy production, nerve function,
blood sugar regulation, and sleep. Zinc and selenium are both important minerals that
promote healthy immune function and are vital for staying healthy. Vitamin D plays a
role in bone health and is especially important for those that do not get adequate
sunlight. It is not necessary for everyone on an SSRI to supplement these vitamins and
minerals, but it is something to consider for those experiencing unwanted side effects.
Popular cholesterol medications, known as statins, are also common nutrient thieves.
Medications like Lipitor (atorvastatin) and Crestor (rosuvastatin) can deplete your body
of an antioxidant called Coenzyme-Q-10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 protects cells from damage
and is vital for energy production and heart health, so if you are taking a statin, it is a
good idea to supplement with CoQ10.
A new class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) have
become popular in recent years. This drug category includes diabetic and weight loss
medications like Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide), and Mounjaro (tirzepatide). One study showed that 12.7% of patients developed nutritional deficiencies within 6 months of starting a GLP-1 and 22.4% developed deficiencies within 12 months (3). The most common deficiency was Vitamin D, but GLP-1s were also found to affect the absorption of B12, folate, and iron.
Many drugs can affect nutrient absorption, and this article only identifies some common
perpetrators. Nutrient deficits are not to be taken lightly and could lead to long-term
health concerns if not corrected. If a medication is causing unwanted side effects, it is a
good idea to check for mineral deficiency, especially if taken chronically.
Supplementation is generally regarded as safe but should be discussed with your
provider, as some excess vitamins can cause more harm than benefit.
2. Mountifield JA. Effects of oral contraceptive usage on b(12) and folate levels.
Can Fam Physician. 1985 Aug;31:1523-6. PMID: 21274038; PMCID:
PMC2327375.
3. Butsch WS, Sulo S, Chang AT, et al. Nutritional deficiencies and muscle loss in
adults with type 2 diabetes using GLP-1 receptor agonists: A retrospective
observational study. Obesity Pillars. 2025: Volume 15.
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