Some medications can lead to clinically significant nutrient loss by interfering with absorption, storage, cellular utilization or breakdown of various vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These nutrients have essential roles to play in maintaining or restoring health, and depleted levels can lead to poor immune system function, in turn causing a host of other illnesses. Because the initial signs of nutritional deficiency may be subtle, diseases may manifest before the need for supplements (or for changing medications) is recognized.

Nutritional supplements can be used to counteract drug-induced nutrient depletion.
Here are some examples:

• Corticosteroids (such as prednisone) increase renal calcium excretion, decrease intestinal calcium absorption, and create a greater need for vitamin D which is needed for calcium absorption.
• Antibiotics deplete intestinal microflora (bacteria which normally live in the intestine), leading to decreased production of various B vitamins and vitamin K. It may be helpful to take probiotics for 2-3 weeks during and after a course of antibiotics. Acidophilus is an excellent adjunct to broad-spectrum oral antibiotic therapy, particularly in women.
• Synthetic estrogens and selective estrogen modulators may deplete magnesium, vitamin B6 and zinc.

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