Bile Acid Sequestrants

• Colestipol

Nutrients Depleted

Beta-Carotene¹
This nutrient is converted to vitamin A by the body, therefore, deficiency symptoms are the same as those of vitamin A. The earliest symptom 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.^2,4,6

Fat¹
Deficiency may lead to depletion of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), eczema, and other skin disorders. In children, fat deficiency could cause growth retardation. Long-term deficiency could be associated with many chronic illnesses. (Fats are stored in the body as fatty acids. There are three essential fatty acids that the body cannot make and, therefore, must get from dietary sources or supplements.)⁶

Iron¹
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.^2,3,4,6

Vitamin A (Retinol)¹
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.^2,3,4,6

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)¹
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.^2,4,6

Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)¹
Effects of deficiency include increased incidence of certain birth defects. Prolonged deficiency leads to anemia and possibly heart disease.^2,3,4

Vitamin D¹
Deficiency leads to abnormalities in the formation of bone tissue, resulting in conditions such as rickets (in children) and osteomalacia (in adults). Vitamin D deficiency interferes with calcium absorption, leading to deficiency of that nutrient with all of the associated symptoms (such as bone loss, muscle cramps, brittle nails, and tooth decay). Because this nutrient is fat-soluble, prolonged periods of deficiency are required to produce these symptoms.^2,4,5,6

Vitamin E¹
Because this nutrient is fat-soluble, it usually takes from months to years for signs and symptoms of deficiency to appear. Depleted levels of this vitamin cause symptoms of muscle weakness, decreased reflexes, disturbances of balance and coordination, and visual impairment. Long-term deficiency may be associated with heart disease.^2,3,4,6

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.