Side Effects of Medicines: Long-term medication can deplete essential vitamins, the doctor reveals

Medicine Risks: We use different medications daily for different ailments. Did you know that excessive use of these medications depletes your body of essential vitamins?

Side effects of medications

Side Effects of Daily Medicines: Medicines are meant for treatment, but did you know that long-term use of some medicines gradually depletes the body's essential nutrition? This deficiency keeps increasing internally and can later cause fatigue, weakened immunity, weakening of bones and many such problems, which people often attribute to some other reason. Dr. Garima Goyal, a dietitian and nutritionist, posted on Instagram about this, in which she explains that medicines like aspirin, birth control pills, antacids, metformin and some antibiotics interfere with the absorption of vitamins and minerals in the body. Let us tell you about these in detail and how they affect your body.

aspirin

Aspirin reduces the body's absorption of vitamin C, leading to a gradual depletion of vitamin C. Long-term aspirin use can also deplete iron stores. According to a large study, the ASPREE trial, people over 65 who took 100 mg of low-dose aspirin daily had a 20 percent increased risk of anemia.

Tylenol, acetaminophen

Glutathione is the body's main antioxidant, protecting cells from damage. Medications like Tylenol reduce its levels, increasing the risk of liver damage. Low glutathione levels are linked to aging, diabetes, infections, and impaired immune function.

birth control pills

Continuous use of birth control pills depletes the body of several vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid, B2, B6, B12, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, and zinc. According to a WHO report, this deficiency can be so severe that many women have to take supplements. The reason for this is not entirely clear, but it is believed that the estrogen and progesterone in these pills affect the body's nutritional processes.

metformin

Metformin, which is prescribed to people with diabetes, reduces the absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestine. Long-term use can lead to B12 deficiency, which increases the risk of nerve damage.

Antacids

Antacids reduce stomach acid, but this same acid helps release vitamin B12 from food. Long-term antacid use can also lead to calcium, potassium, and zinc deficiencies, leading to weak bones and loose muscles.

Statins

Statin drugs lower cholesterol and are beneficial for heart health, but they deplete the body of coenzyme Q10, which is essential for muscle energy production. A deficiency can cause muscle pain, weakness, and swelling.

antibiotics

Antibiotics kill harmful bacteria, but they also harm good gut bacteria. This disrupts gut balance, leading to obesity, allergies, digestive problems, and compromised immunity.

Steroids

Steroids disrupt the body's mineral balance in several ways. They decrease calcium absorption, leading to bone weakening, and also reduce vitamin D activity. This decreases magnesium and potassium levels, leading to weakness, fatigue, and cramps. Long-term steroid use also reduces the effectiveness of B vitamins, affecting energy and nerve function.

If you're taking any medications for a long time, ask your doctor or dietitian about which vitamin or mineral supplements you should take along with them. These simple precautions can help prevent problems like fatigue, anemia, bone loss, and hormonal imbalance.