[mrsD]

I used to have a long thread at BrainTalk at their Vitamin Forum on this important subject. Unfortunately that resource was lost in the crash of July 06 and no archives for that time period (3-04 thru 7-06) have been restored. So I will start one here.

Many common drugs rob the body of important nutrients, and then side effects can occur (which doctors sadly don't understand) and lead to multiple Rxs to fix what the previous drug is doing. Then people become dependent on a complex and expensive drug cocktail when in reality they may not need all of it.

The references I use are compilied from Medline research from around the world.

1) Drug Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook: 2nd Edition, and it appears to be out of print now! Authors Ross Pelton RPh and James LaValle.

2) Somewhat newer is the Side Effects Bible, by Dr. Vagnini
http://www.enotalone.com/article/4624.html

I have both books and will gladly look up answers to questions for posters here.

There is a web resource out there now, but I find it hard to navigate:

http://www.suzycohen.com/drugmuggers/

Some common examples are:

ACE inhibitors for blood pressure.... deplete zinc

Diuretics (water pills) deplete potassium, magnesium, thiamine among others.
Some deplete more than others.

Many drugs like hormones and steroids have a long list of nutrients affected.
People on long term antibiotic therapies for Lyme or other long term infections may also become very low in some nutrients. Short term antibiotic treatments usually do not affect your status much (10-14 day courses).

So if you have questions, this is the thread to post them!