Nutritional Pharmacology - Drug – Nutrient Depletions

Question 1

What nutrients are affected by Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole?

Answer 1

Nutrients affected include beta-carotene, calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, folate, B12, Vitamin C, and zinc.
Mechanism: Reduced gastric acid levels inhibit absorption.

Question 2

Q2: How do steroids (e.g., prednisolone) affect nutrient levels?

Answer 2

Nutrients affected include calcium, vitamin D, chromium, folic acid, magnesium, potassium, strontium, and zinc.
Mechanism: Increased urinary excretion and losses from bone tissue.

Question 3

Q3: What nutrient depletion is associated with statins?

Answer 3

Nutrient affected: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10).
Mechanism: Statins block the synthesis of mevalonic acid, a precursor for cholesterol and CoQ10.

Question 4

Q4: How do antibiotics lead to nutrient depletion?

Answer 4

Nutrients affected include biotin, pantothenic acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), riboflavin (B2), thiamine (B1), Vitamin B12, and Vitamin K.
Mechanism: Destruction of intestinal microflora leads to decreased production of these vitamins.

Question 5

Q5: What nutrients are depleted by metformin?

Answer 5

Nutrients affected: Vitamin B12 and folate (B9).
Mechanism: Malabsorption of B12 and B9.

Question 6

Q6: What nutrients are affected by diuretics?

Answer 6

Nutrients affected include calcium, magnesium, potassium, folate, vitamins B1, B6, and C.
Mechanism: Increased urinary loss.

Question 7

How do antacids affect nutrient levels?

Answer 7

Nutrients affected include calcium, iron, chromium, and folate.
Mechanism: Increased gastric pH leads to reduced solubility and absorption. Aluminium-containing antacids can bind to calcium, preventing absorption.

Question 8

What nutrient is affected by thyroxine use?

Answer 8

Nutrient affected: Calcium.
Mechanism: Increased bone turnover leads to increased urinary calcium losses.

Question 9

What nutrients are affected by oral contraceptive pills?

Answer 9

Nutrients affected include folate, magnesium, vitamin B6, B2, B1, A, B12, C, and zinc.
Mechanism: Reduced absorption, increased excretion, increased protein binding, induction of liver enzymes, and interference with conversion to active forms.