A lot of patients have unrealistic expectation with regards to vitamin supplementation. Vitamins do not undergo the same scrutiny as drugs do by the FDA, and many times are promoted as cures. At Nickman’s Drug we only recommend vitamin therapy based on science and medical literature. Thanks to the abundant food availability in the United States, deficiency is rare.

However, in the pharmacy and in the front of the store are drug therapies that deplete certain vitamins. Here are the most common drugs that cause depletion of vitamins. Always feel free to ask your Nickman’s pharmacist.

ARE YOU TAKING: Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen?

YOU MIGHT BE LOSING: iron

WHAT HAPPENS: May damage stomach lining, causing bleeding

PHARMACIST RECOMMENDS: Have your doctor check for anemia. Take Ferrous sulfate 325 on an empty stomach, with Vitamin C at least 250mg.

ARE YOU TAKING: Seizure meds: Dilantin, Tegretol, Phenobarbital Primidone?

YOU MIGHT BE LOSING: Vitamin D, Calcium, Vitamin K

WHAT HAPPENS: These drugs speed up breakdown of Vitamin D and K. Less Vitamin D causes less calcium absorption

PHARMACIST RECOMMENDS: Vitamin-D supplement at least (1000iu), Calcium at least 1000mg. Supplement Vit-K if pregnant.

ARE YOU TAKING: Prednisone (over 7.5mg/day)?

YOU MIGHT BE LOSING: Calcium, Vitamin-D

WHAT HAPPENS: Causes body to excrete more calcium, and absorb less calcium

PHARMACIST RECOMMENDS: Vitamin-D supplement (1000iu), Calcium 1500mg per day.

ARE YOU TAKING: Digoxin (Lanoxin)?

YOU MIGHT BE LOSING: Magnesium

WHAT HAPPENS: Caused by loss of magnesium through the kidneys

PHARMACIST RECOMMENDS: Ask your doctor to check magnesium, as well as potassium levels.

ARE YOU TAKING: Diuretics (Lasix, HCTZ, and others)?

YOU MIGHT BE LOSING: Magnesium, Potassium

WHAT HAPPENS: Caused by loss of magnesium and potassium through the kidneys

PHARMACIST RECOMMENDS: Ask your doctor to check magnesium, and potassium levels.

ARE YOU TAKING: Metformin?

YOU MIGHT BE LOSING: Vitamin-B12

WHAT HAPPENS: Decreased absorption in the stomach

PHARMACIST RECOMMENDS: Take Vitamin B-12 (1000mcg/day)

ARE YOU TAKING: Prilosec, Prevacid, Pepcid and all other acid blockers?

YOU MIGHT BE LOSING: Vitamin B-12

WHAT HAPPENS: Decreased absorption in stomach

PHARMACIST RECOMMENDS: More a risk if acid blockers taken for 2 years or more. Take B12- 1000mcg

ARE YOU TAKING: Prilosec, Prevacid, Pepcid and all other acid blockers?

YOU MAY BE LOSING: Calcium

WHAT HAPPENS: Calcium Carbonate (Caltrate, Os-Cal) require acid for dissolution

PHARMACIST RECOMMENDS: Switch to Calcium Citrate (Citracal)

ARE YOU TAKING: Oral Contraceptives?

YOU MAY BE LOSING: B-Complex and folic acid

PHARMACIST RECOMMENDS: All women of childbearing age should get at least 400 mcg/day of supplemental folic acid for a month or more BEFORE becoming pregnant to reduce the risk of neural tube defects.