Medications can help our bodies fight off infection and illness, but they can also leave us nutritionally depleted. Some medications can increase the rate at which certain nutrients are broken down, or they can affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from the foods we eat. It is important to review the specific nutritional depletions for your medicines with your pharmacist or doctor. As a helpful guide, the Wellness Advisor offers these tips for common medications and the vitamins and supplements they may deplete.

Birth Control Pills: If you take birth control pills it may be a good idea to take a supplement containing folic acid and vitamin C. Birth control pills decrease the body’s ability to absorb vitamin C and they impair the body’s ability to utilize folic acid. In addition don’t forget your sunscreen, since the pill also makes you more susceptible to the sun’s UV rays.

Antibiotics: Some antibiotics can increase the need for vitamin B 12. In addition, some antibiotics can hinder the body’s ability to absorb vitamin A.

Ace Inhibitors: You may benefit from taking zinc if you are taking an ace inhibitor.

Anesthetics: If you are going to be going under anesthesia, such as nitrous oxide, it is important to correct any deficiencies relating to vitamin B 12 and folic acid, before you undergo surgery.

Antacids: Since many antacids contain calcium, it is important to take any iron supplements at least two hours away from when you take an antacid. If you don’t, the calcium and iron act like magnets and they stick together and the body cannot benefit from either one.

H2 Blockers: If you take these medicines, such as cimetidine, you may want to supplement with B 12. Often H2 blockers affect the body’s ability to absorb this vitamin, so a supplement is an easy way to prevent deficiency.

Prednisone: If you are taking steroidal medications such as this one, your doctor will most likely prescribe calcium and vitamin D. However, make sure you are following your doctor’s orders and that you are being well monitored. If you take too much vitamin D it can cancel out the effect of the medication. It is a careful balance that requires the attention of both you and your doctor.

Diuretics: Some diuretics can increase your need for magnesium and thiamin. Triazide diuretics may increase your need for magnesium and for vitamin D.

Orlistat or Xenical: It may be of benefit to you to take a supplement containing vitamins A and D at least two hours apart from when you take the medication.