Nutrient Depletion Checklist: Corticosteroids

Drug

Nutrient Depletions

Potential Depletion Problems

Sulfasalazine

folic acid

anemia, birth defects, cardiovascular disease, cervical dysplasia

Betamethasone, Budesonide

calcium

heart/blood pressure irregularities, tooth decay, osteoporosis

Cortisone, Dexamethasone

folic acid

anemia, birth defects, cardiovascular disease, cervical dysplasia

Flunisolide, Fluticasone, Hydrocortisone

magnesium

asthma, cardiovascular problems, cramps, PMS

Mometasone, Methylprednisolone

potassium

edema, fatigue, irregular hearbeat, muscle weakness

Prednisone, Prednisolone

selenium

lower immunity, reduced antioxidant protection

Triamcinolone

vitamin C

easy bruising, lower immunity, poor wound healing

vitamin D

hearing loss, muscle weakness, osteoporosis

zinc

loss of sense of taste and small, slow wound healing

A class of anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids are taken for a range of conditions including adrenocortical hormone replacement insufficiency; rheumatic, autoimmune, dermatologic, collagen-vascular and other inflammatory diseases; respiratory diseases including asthma; neoplastic diseases and allergic disorders.The scientific basis for this information is published from studies using these drugs or drugs from the same pharmacological class. Advise customers to ask their doctor or pharmacist if any of their medications can cause nutrient depletions.

Reprinted with permission from Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook (Lexi-Comp, 1999) by Ross Pelton, Ph.D., C.N.; James B. LaValle, N.D., C.N., D.H.M.; Ernest B. Hawkins; and Daniel L. Krinsky.