I came across an interesting study done in 2005 in Minnesota showing an increase in the use of prescription drugs as one ages. The survey results are staggering. Two-thirds of seniors in their 50′s are on prescription medication and the numbers get worse as one ages. So those of us who are not on any prescription drugs are in the minority. Drugs can produce undesirable and even tragic results, but we don’t think often about the nutrients they deplete.

2005 Survey of Older Minnesotans (Statewide Population 50+)
Take Prescription Drugs on a Daily Basis

Age Total Weighted # Take Prescription Drugs Daily No Daily Prescription Drugs
50-59 40,638 59.9% 40.1%
60-74 33,418 78.2% 21.8%
75+ 21,107 87.1% 12.9%

Age Differences Statistically Significant

http://www.mnaging.org/advisor/survey/SOM2005Tables.pdf

Prescription drugs have side effects. Ever notice the small print accompanying all prescriptions? Ever notice the last words of TV commercials for prescription drugs? More importantly, though, we don’t realize the nutrients that it depletes from our bodies. Check out this table taken from Drug Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook, 2nd ed.

Medication (RxDrug) Nutrients Depleted
Antacids Pepcid, Tagamet, Zantac Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Calcium, Iron, Zinc
Prevacid, Prolosec Vitamin B12
Antibiotics General Aminoglycosides (tentomycin, neomycin, streptomycin), Cephalosporins, Penicillins B Vitamins, Vitamin K
Friendly beneficial intestinal bacteria
Tetracyclines Calcium, Zinc, Magnesium, Iron, Vitamin B6
Anti-Diabetic Drugs Micronase, Tolinase Coenzyme Q10
Glucophage Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid
Anti-Depressants Adapin, Aventyl, Elavil, TofranilPamelor,Sinequan, Norpramin Vitamin B12, Coenzyme Q10
Anti-Inflammatories Aspirin & Salicylates Vitamin C, Folic Acid, Iron, Potassium
Advil, Aleve, Anaprox, Dolobid, Feldene, Lodine, Motrin, Naprosyn, Orudis, Relafen Folic Acid
Betamethasone, Cortisone, Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone, Methylprednisoone, Prednisone Vitamins C, D, Folic Acid, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Selenium, Zinc
Cardiovascular Drugs Apresoline Vitamin B6, Coenzyme Q10
Catapres, AldometCorgard, Inderal, Lopressor Coenzyme Q10
Betapace, Tenormin, Sectral, Blocadren Coenzyme Q10, Melatonin
Diuretics Lasix, Bumex, Edecrin Vitamins B1, B6, C, Magnesium Calcium, Potassium, Zinc, Sodium
Enduron, Diuril, Lozol, Zaroxolyn, Hygroton Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc
Lescol, Lipitor, Mavacor, Zocor, Pravachol, Crestor Coenzyme Q10, Sodium
Cholesterol Lowering Agents(Statins) Lescol, Lipitor, Mavacor, Zocor, Pravachol, Crestor Coenzyme Q10
Colestid, Quetran Vitamins A, B12, D, E, K, Beta-Carotene, Folic Acid, Iron
Ulcer Medications Tagamet, Pepcid, Zantac Vitamins B12, D, Folic Acid, Calcium, Iron, Zinc, Protein
Prevacid, Prilosec Vitamin B12, Protein
HTR – Hormone Replacement Therapy Evista, Prempro, Premarin, Estratab Vitamins B2, B6, B12, C, Folic Acid, Magnesium, Zinc
Oral Contraceptives Norinyl, Ortho-Novum, Triphasil, etc. Vitamins B2, B3, B6, B12, C, Folic Acid, Magnesium, Selenium, Zinc

Prescription drugs are expensive. In many cases, generics are not available. Consumer Reports has a free service where you can check on best buys for drugs you may be taking.

http://www.consumerreports.org/health/best-buy-drugs/drug-report-archives.htm

If you are on prescription medication(s), one of the best and least expensive vitamins on the market today that would help you replace the lost nutrients is VitaOne. Click here for complete information.