Explain the Drug Effects on Nutritional Status?

Drugs can affect nutritional status in a number of ways i.e. by enhancing excretion of certain nutrients, by interfering with nutrient absorption, or by decreasing the body's ability to change nutrients into usable forms. These effects are gradual so that the effects will be greater in persons taking drugs over a long period of time. For these people, vitamin and mineral deficiencies may result. Here are some examples of drug effects on nutrients in the body:

1. Abuse of antacids can lead to phosphate depletion. This can lead to a vitamin D deficiency in severe cases. Some patients have developed osteomalacia or softening of the bones due to loss of calcium because of a vitamin D deficiency.

2. The excessive use of diuretics ("water pills") may result in the loss of electrolyles, mainly potassium. This may put people with heart problems at higher risk for serious heart rhythm problems. People taking diuretics regularly should eat foods which are good sources of potassium: tomatoes, tomato juice, oranges, orange juice, bananas, raisins, pmnes, potatoes, sweet potatoes and winter squash.

3. Women who take oral contraceptives over a long period of time may develop folic acid and vitamin C deficiencies if their diets are inadequate in these nutrients. The best sources of fofolic acid are spinach and other greens, asparagus, broccoli and lima beans. Excellent vitamin C sources include oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes, strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage and green peppers.

4. Anticonvulsant drugs, prescribed to prevent seizures, can lead to vitamin D and folic acid deficiencies. The use of vitamin supplements by patients taking these drugs should be medically monitored.

5. The anti-hypertension drug hydralazine can deplete the body's supply of vitamin B,. This vitamin is widely distributed in foods. Some good sources are chicken, fish, liver, whole grain breads and cereals, egg yolks, bananas and potatoes. Consumption of these foods should be encouraged.

6. Several drugs, including colchicine (used to treat acute gout), oral antidiabetic agents, and the antibiotic neomycin can impair absorption of vitamin B₁₂. Persons who do not eat any animal products (vegans) may have poorer vitamin B₁₂ status and may be at greater risk for a deficiency when taking one of these drugs.