Nutrient Depletion Checklist: Cholesterol Lowering Drugs (Bile Acid Sequestrants)

Drug

Nutrient Depletions

Potential Depletion Problems

Atorvastatin, Cerivastatin, Lovastatin, Fluvastatin, Pravastatin, Simvastatin

Coenzyme Q10

congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, low energy

Cholestyramine

Beta-carotene

vision problems, weakened immunity

Calcium

Blood clotting, cell wall permeability, enzyme dysfunction, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, rickets

Folic Acid

anemia, birth defects, cervical dyslasia, elevated homocysteine

Iron

hair loss

Magnesium

increased incidence of artheroderosis, heart attacks, hypertension, stroke

Vitamin A

vision problems

Vitamin B₁₂

anemia, appetite loss, depression, dermatitis, fatigue, nausea, poor blood clotting

Vitamin B₁₂

anemia, appetite loss, depression, dermatitis, fatigue, nausea, poor blood clotting

Vitamin E

cataracts, dry skin, dry hair, easy bruising, eczema, poor wound healing, PMS

Vitamin K

easy bleeding, rickets and other skeletal disorders

Zinc

Acne, anorexia, decreased immunity, depression, delayed wound healing, frequent infections, impaired sense of smell and taste

Colestipol

Beta-carotene, Folic Acid, Iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Vitamin E

see above

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.