Aminoglycosides

• Gentamicin
• Neomycin
• Tobramycin

Nutrients Depleted

Calcium³
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.^6,9,10

Iron³
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.^6,7,8,10

Magnesium³
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.^6,8,9

Nitrogen³
Deficiency may impair formation of protein, which could lead to stunted growth, poor muscle development or loss of muscle mass, increased susceptibility to infection, weakness, and impaired wound healing.⁸

Potassium³
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.^6,8

Probiotics / Enterobiotics¹
Probiotics refer to two or more organisms that enhance each other's growth, living in balance with one another. Altering the balance of organisms that naturally reside in the gastrointestinal tract may reduce resistance to infections and diseases. Symptoms of deficiency include gas, abdominal distress, diarrhea, and yeast infections.¹¹

Sodium³
Because of the wide availability of sodium in dietary sources, deficiency is very uncommon. In the rare instances where it does occur, depleted levels have been associated with gas, nausea and vomiting, discomfort, headache, memory impairment, diminished attention, muscle weakness, palpitations, lethargy, and confusion. Extreme cases can cause stupor, seizures, and possibly coma. Development of symptoms depends in large part on the rate of the loss of sodium.^6,8,10

Vitamin A (Retinol)³
The earliest symptom of deficiency of this nutrient is night blindness. Prolonged deficiency leads to more advanced changes in eye tissue. Other potential signs of mild to moderate deficiency include rough, dry skin, anorexia, loss of hair luster, brittle nails, joint pain, and possibly increased susceptibility to infection.^6,7,8,10

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)^4,5
Deficiency is associated with anemia, neurologic symptoms like tingling (pins and needles) or diminished sensory perception, sore tongue, weakness, irritability, confusion, impaired memory, and personality changes.^6,8,10

Vitamin K²
The major symptom of deficiency is an inability of the blood to clot properly, which may lead to excessive bleeding. Another symptom is easy bruisability. Depending on the cause of the deficiency, symptoms may appear in as early as 7 to 10 days.^6,7,8,10

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.