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Antacids (2)
Nutrients
Depleted by Antacids
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Aluminum Hydroxide and Magnesium Hydroxide
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Calcium Carbonate
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Calcium Carbonate and Magnesium Hydroxide
Nutrients Depleted
Calcium1,2,3
Osteoporosis (bone loss) is the primary symptom associated with chronic calcium
deficiency. Depleted levels can also cause muscle cramps, numbness and tingling,
joint pain, brittle nails, and tooth decay.4,5,8
Note: Calcium carbonate antacids may elevate calcium levels, depending upon
the circumstances of use. Consult your doctor.
Copper1,2,3
Copper deficiency is exceptionally rare. Symptoms range from skeletal defects
(particularly in infants) to nervous system abnormalities. Long-term deficiency
can lead to anemia.4,6,7,8
Iron1,2,3
Deficiency of this nutrient causes anemia. Iron-deficiency anemia may be
associated with pale coloring, fatigue, apathy, lethargy, and even difficulty
breathing. Mild deficiency may cause constipation and nail changes, including
brittle nails and nail ridges.4,6,7,8
Magnesium1,2,3
Symptoms of deficiency may develop within weeks and include anorexia, nausea,
vomiting, lethargy, and weakness. Severe deficiency may take months to appear
and is associated with muscle cramps, irritability, heart irregularities, and
mental confusion.4,5,6
Phosphorus1,2,3
Low levels of this nutrient have been associated with symptoms such as anorexia,
fatigue, anemia, muscle weakness, bone pain, mental confusion, dizziness,
difficulty walking, and increased susceptibility to infection. Because of the
availability of phosphorus from various food sources, near total starvation is
required to produce phosphorus deficiency. Cases of severe deficiency, although
rare, can cause heart and respiratory problems.4,5,6
Potassium1,2,3
Symptoms of deficiency include anorexia, nausea, drowsiness, fatigue, muscle
pain, and weakness (usually of the lower extremities). Severe cases may lead to
heart irregularities and respiratory difficulties.4,6
Zinc1,2,3
Signs and symptoms of deficiency include loss of appetite, fatigue, growth
retardation, skin and nail changes, diminished libido, impotence, increased
susceptibility to infection, poor wound healing, and loss of sense of
smell.4,6,8
Editorial Note
The selected depletions information presented here identifies
some of the nutrients that may be depleted by certain medications. The signs and
symptoms associated with nutrient deficiency may also indicate conditions other
than nutrient deficiency. If you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms
mentioned, it does not necessarily mean that you are nutrient deficient.
Nutrient depletion depends upon a number of factors, including your medical
history, diet, and lifestyle as well as the length of time you have been taking
the medication. Please consult your healthcare provider; he or she can best
assess and address your individual healthcare needs, and determine if you are at
risk for nutrient depletions from these medications as well as others not listed
here. References
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1. | Spencer, H. et al. Effect of small amounts of antacids on calcium,
phosphorus, and fluoride metabolism in man. Gastroenterology 68:990,
1975. |
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2. | Roe, DA. Diet and Drug Interactions. New York, Van Nostrand
Reinhold, pp. 85-86, 1989. |
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3. | Faloon, WW. Drug production of intestinal malabsorption. N.Y. State
J. Med. 70:2, 189, 1970. |
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4. | Fauci, A. ed. et. al. Harrison's Principles of Internal
Medicine. Fourteenth Edition. New York, Mc-Graw-Hill Companies Health
Professional Division, 1998. |
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5. | Institute of Medicine, Dietary Reference Intakes. Washington,
DC, National Academy Press, 1997. |
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6. | National Research Council, Recommended Dietary Allowances. Tenth
Edition. Washington, DC, National Academy Press, 1989. |
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7. | International Life Sciences Institute, Present Knowledge in
Nutrition. Seventh Edition. Washington, DC, ILSI Press,
1996. |
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8. | Kirschmann, G. and Kirschmann, J. Nutrition Almanac. Fourth
Edition. McGraw-Hill, 1996.
Copyright © 2000 Integrative Medicine
Communications
The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the
accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application,
use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury
and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability,
negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard
to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any
drugs or compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. This material is
not intended as a guide to self-medication. The reader is advised to discuss the
information provided here with a doctor, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized
healthcare practitioner and to check product information (including package
inserts) regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and
contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed
herein.
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