It is well known that pharmaceutical medications cause side effects, what is not known is that many medications strip you of vital minerals and vitamins as they pass through your body. I have listed some of the more common medications that many of you will be using prior to seeking chiropractic care.
It has been estimated that about 30% of side effects from medications are related to drug-induced nutrient deficiencies. Vagnini, F., et al., “Preventing pharmaceutical-induced nutrient deficiencies,” Life Extensions March 2006; p. 72-9.
Corticosteroid / Cortisone shots
Corticosteroids deplete the following nutrients:
Vit A, Vit. B6 and B12, Folic acid, Vit C, Vit D, Vit K, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium Selenium, Zinc, Chromium
Lems W., et al. “Effect of low dose prednisone (with calcium and calcitriol supplementation) on calcium and bone metabolism in healthy volunteers,” Brit Jour Rheumatol 1998; 37(1): 27-33.
Sulfasalazine: depletes folic acid Indomethacin: depletes iron, vitamin C, and folic acid.
Salicylates deplete vitamin C, calcium, folic acid, iron, sodium, potassium, and B5.
NSAIDs deplete folic acid and melatonin.
Baggott, et al., “Inhibition of folate-dependent enzymes by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatorydrugs,” Biochem Jour 1992; 282 (Pt 1):197-202. Loh, H., et al., “The effects of aspirin on the metabolic availability of ascorbic acid in human beings,” Jour Clin Pharmacol 1973; 13(11):480-6.
Lawrence, V., et al., “Aspirin and folate binding in vivo and in vitro studies of serum binding and urinary excretion of endogenous folate,” Jour Lab Clin Med 1984; 103(6):944-8. Nain, et al., “Acetylsalicylic acid-induced biochemical changes in gastric juice,” Indian Jour Gastroenterol 1996; 56:421-29.
Other issues with NSAIDS: Kidney - see article from the New York Times
Vitamin I for Ibuprofen:
Anti -Viral Medications:
Reverse transcriptase inhibitor Zidovudine (AZT) and related drugs deplete
vitamin B12, copper, zinc, and L-carnitine.
Foscarnet depletes: calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Cardiovascular medications:
Cardiac glycosides such as digoxin deplete calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin B1.
Dr. Craig Eymann
In 1996 I began my Chiropractic training. While in school I taught massage in the evenings. I graduated from Palmer Chiropractic University in 1999. I quickly added Chiropractic into my practice. My specialties are all musculo-skeletal injuries, spinal health and Sports Chiropractic.