Medications and Their Effects on Vitamin Balance

Contents:

• Functions of vitamins

• Preventing vitamin deficiency situations

• Influence of medications on vitamin supply

• Some vitamins and their co-factors

• Further measures for an adequate supply

Functions of Vitamins

Vitamins play a major role in our health. Without vitamins, which must be supplied through food, many processes in our body cannot take place at all. Whether as a hormone or as a co-factor – vitamins are essential.

Their complex functions and diverse uses are challenging, and it is not always easy to get an overview. That is why we have compiled some important functions that can be of quick and concrete help in practice.

Preventing Vitamin Deficiency Situations

A vitamin deficiency basically arises in two different ways: on the one hand, through reduced intake due to an inadequate diet, and on the other hand, through increased consumption, as can occur due to illness or taking medication.

It is therefore often not enough to ask the patient about their dietary habits – the medical history and medication intake must also be taken into account. But limited absorption capacity and a metabolism that is not functioning optimally can also lead to an inadequate vitamin supply. In addition, we must bear in mind that, depending on absorption and mode of action, vitamins are present in their active or inactive form, which makes a significant difference to their effect.

Some Vitamins and Their Co-Factors:

How much of each vitamin we should take in is calculated on the basis of a healthy adult. This does not take into account any (pre-existing) illnesses or vitamin-consuming medications that increase requirements. Pregnancy, sport and stress can also cause an increased need. Chronic illnesses in particular require a regular and adapted amount of nutrients. For example, the requirement for vitamin B12 can increase many times over when an inflammatory disease is present [4].

The Influence of Medications on Vitamin Supply

Many medications interact with the body's nutrient balance. They can cause vitamins to be absorbed less well or act as direct antagonists. Of course, the amount of different medications and the duration of treatment also play a role. The side effects or imbalances are rarely noticeable acutely but tend to develop gradually. Accordingly, the symptoms are usually non-specific, such as tiredness, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating and headaches. A prime example of such an overlooked connection is taking "the pill" (contraceptives), which can lead to a deficiency of B vitamins, vitamin C and folic acid. Excessive consumption of stimulants such as alcohol, tobacco or caffeine also depletes vitamins.

Further Measures for an Adequate Supply

Since medications cannot always simply be discontinued, vitamin levels should be checked regularly in the laboratory. In addition, the vitamin level can of course also be examined directly – in order to discuss on this basis whether infusion therapy is an option. The use of appropriate dietary supplements can also be discussed on an individual basis.

As a basic principle, pay attention to a healthy, vitamin-rich and balanced diet and reduce stimulants.

You can find more interesting information on dietary supplements & vitamins in our ORY shop.

If you have any questions or would like advice, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Sources:

[1] Moyo AA, Bimbo FM, Adeyoyin KLM et al. Seasonal ataxia: a case report of a disappearing disease. Afr. Health Sci., 2014.

[2] Pinto JT, Zempleni Riboflavin. J. Adv Nutr, 2016.

[3] Powers HJ. Riboflavin and health. Am J Chin Nutr, 2003.

[4] Kuklinski, B. Mitochondrien – Symptome, Diagnose und Therapie. Aurum in J. Kamphausens Mediengruppe GmbH, 2015.