Drug Induced Nutrient Depletions: Cholesterol Meds
Drug induced nutrient depletions (DIND) refers to the nutrients that are depleted from our bodies as a result of the prescription and over-the-counter medications that we take every day. This will be a multi-part series in which I will focus on a different drug classes each week. Last week, we focused on the nutrients depleted from the use of antibiotics and in week one we looked at oral contraceptives. This week for part three, we will explore the nutrients that are depleted due to the use of antihyperlipidemic agents.
Antihyperlipidemic agents are one of the most frequently prescribed medications (1). Hyperlipidemia is a broad term used to describe many acquired or genetic disorders that can lead to a high level of lipids (fats, cholesterol and triglycerides) to circulate in the blood (2). The problem with this is that these lipids can enter the walls of your arteries and increases your risk of developing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Atherosclerosis can lead to a stroke or a heart attack. There are many lifestyle factors that can increase your risk of atherosclerosis including smoking, physical inactivity, and poor nutrition. Having or developing diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney failure can also put you at increased risk for atherosclerosis (2).
Common medications used to treat hyperlipidemia and the nutrients they deplete (3, 4):
Statins-Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin E, Beta Carotene
Bile acid binding resins-Beta Carotene, Folic Acid, Vitamins A, B12, D, E, K, Calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc
Fibrates-Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin E, Potassium
Coenzyme Q10
How much you may need per day if you use a supplement: 30-100mg (4)
Good Food Sources: Beef, chicken, trout, salmon, oranges, broccoli (4)
Phosphorus
How much you may need per day if you use a supplement: 700 mg (4)
Good Food Sources: Plain yogurt, lentils, salmon, milk, halibut (4)
Vitamin D
How much you may need per day if you use a supplement: 400 IU (4)
Good Food Sources: Salmon, mackerel, sardines, eel, fortified milk, cod liver oil, sword fish, tuna, fortified orange juice (4,5)
Calcium
How much you may need per day if you use a supplement: 1,200 mg (4)
Good Food Sources: Milk, dried figs, cheese, yogurt tofu, sardines, dairy alternatives, fortified cereal, salmon, dark leafy greens (4,5)
Vitamin A
How much you may need per day if you use a supplement: 5,000 IU (4)
Good Food Sources: Beef, liver, chicken, milk, sweet potato, carrots, pumpkin, spinach, red peppers, cantaloupe, chedder cheese, fortified cereal (4,5)
Vitamin E
How much you may need per day if you use a supplement: 400 IU (4)
Good Food Sources: Wheat germ oil, almonds, safflower oil, corn oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, hazelnuts, peanut butter (4,5)
Beta Carotene
How much you may need per day if you use a supplement: 25,000 IU (4)
Good Food Sources: Carrots, spinach, mango, cantaloupe, apricot nectar (4)
Folic Acid
How much you may need per day if you use a supplement: 400-800 mcg (4)
Good Food Sources: Vegetables (especially dark green leafy vegetables), fruits and fruit juices, nuts, beans, peas, dairy products, poultry and meat, eggs, seafood, and grains, spinach, liver, yeast, asparagus, and brussels sprouts (5)
Magnesium
How much you may need per day if you use a supplement: 500-1000 mg (4)
Good Food Sources: Almonds, spinach, cashews and other nuts, fortified cereals, soy milk, black beans, edamame, peanut butter, whole wheat bread, avocado, potato, yogurt, brown rice, yogurt, banana, salmon, milk, animal products, broccoli (5)
Zinc
How much you may need per day if you use a supplement: 50-200 mg (4)
Good Food Sources: Oysters, beef, crab, fortified breakfast cereals, lobster, pork, baked beans, cheese, cashews, chicken, peas, flounder, almonds, chickpeas, kidney beans (5)
B12
How much you may need per day if you use a supplement: 500-1000 mcg (4)
Good Food Sources: Clams, beef liver, fortified breakfast cereals, trout salmon, tuna, milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs chicken, haddock (5)
Vitamin K
How much you may need per day if you use a supplement: 60-80 mcg (4)
Good Food Sources: kale, broccoli, parsley, spinach, swiss chard, brussels sprouts, cabbage, dark leafy greens (4,5)
Potassium
How much you may need per day if you use a supplement: 100-300 mg (4)
Good Food Sources: dried figs, California avocado, papaya, banana, dates, citrus fruits, milk, yogurt, nuts, beef, chicken, fish, potatoes (with skins) (4,5)