Drug Induced Nutrient Depletions: Asthma Medications
In part seven, we continue our exploration of the nutrients that are depleted when taking prescription or over-the-counter medications. Drug induced nutrient depletions (DIND) occur when medications cause nutrients to be depleted from our bodies. This has been a multi-part series in which I focused on a different drug class each week. In previous weeks, we focused on the nutrients depleted from the use of antibiotics, oral contraceptives, anti-hyperlipidemics, pain relievers, acid suppressing agents, and oral hypoglycemics. This week for part seven, we will focus on the nutrients that can be depleted by asthma medications.
In the United States, approximately 1 in 12 people (25 million) have asthma (1). Asthma is especially prevalent in the northeastern and central parts of the country (1). Asthma is a health condition that involves the lungs wherein the airways narrow, swell and produce extra mucus (2). Having asthma can make it difficult to breath and can elicit coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath (2).
Common asthma triggers include: Allergens (mold, dust, pets, pollens), colds and viral infections, exercise, GERD, medications, foods (food intolerances, sulfites, food additives, dairy), emotional anxiety, air pollutants (tobacco smoke, wood smoke, chemicals, ozone), occupational exposures (vapors, dust, gases, fumes), and other strong odors (perfume, paint, cleaners).
Common medications include bronchodilators, corticosteroids, beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonists and other anti-inflammatory medications. If you take medications for asthma, talk to your health care provider or nutritionist about whether supplementation is needed (see below for potential depleted nutrients).
Below, you will find information on the amount of each nutrient you may need each day as a supplement, as well as some of the best sources of food for each.
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 brussel sprouts (5)
Zinc
How much you 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)
Vitamin D
How much you 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 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)
Potassium
How much you 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)
Vitamin C
How much you need per day if you use a supplement: 250-1500 mg (4)
Good Food Sources: Red peppers, orange juice, citrus fruit, green peppers, broccoli, strawberries, tomato juice, brussel sprouts, spinach, cauliflower (4,5)
Vitamin A
How much you 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, cheddar cheese, fortified cereal (4,5)
Magnesium
How much you 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)
Vitamin K
How much you 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)
Vitamin B6
How much you need per day if you use a supplement: 50-100 mg (4)
Good Food Sources: Chick peas, beef liver, tuna, salmon, chicken, fortified breakfast cereals, banana, bulgur, squash, nuts, raisins, tofu, watermelon (5)
Selenium
How much you need per day if you use a supplement: 20-100 mcg (4)
Good Food Sources: Brazil nuts, tuna, beef liver, turkey breast, chicken, eggs, oatmeal, spinach, baked beans, whole wheat bread, cottage cheese (4)
Melatonin
How much you need per day if you use a supplement: 1-3 mg (4)
*Individual needs may vary. Please speak with your health care provider or nutritionist for your personalized recommendations.
Suggestions for Helping to Prevent Asthma Attacks (3)
Eliminate potential triggers and allergens
Increase fruit and vegetable intake
Increase omega 3 fatty acids (flaxseed, cold-water fish, nuts, greens)
Exercise