10 Common Medications That Could Be Depleting Your Nutrients

Some medications can quietly affect how your body absorbs or uses specific nutrients. Knowing which ones may influence your nutrient levels can help you stay ahead of any changes and support your overall health.

1. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

PPIs are medications that lower stomach acid, and they’re often used to treat acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). You’ve probably heard of some of the common ones, including:

• Prilosec (omeprazole)
• Nexium (esomeprazole)
• Protonix (pantoprazole)

PPIs can also chip away at certain nutrients, especially if you’ve been taking them for a while. They may lower levels of:

A drop in vitamin B12 can lead to fatigue, tingling or nerve issues, and even mood changes.

If you’re taking a PPI, whether over-the-counter (OTC) or by prescription, consult with your healthcare provider about monitoring your nutrient levels.

2. Metformin

Metformin is one of the most commonly prescribed—and often first-choice—medications for managing type 2 diabetes.

One thing to know: metformin can lower vitamin B12 levels. This risk is a bit higher if you’re also taking a sulfonylurea medication, such as glipizide, glyburide, or glimepiride.

If you take metformin, your healthcare provider will likely monitor your B12 levels and possibly recommend a multivitamin or B12 supplement.

3. Statins

Statins are used to treat high cholesterol. Examples include:

• Lipitor (atorvastatin)
• Crestor (rosuvastatin)
• Livalo (pitavastatin)
• Zocor (simvastatin)

Statins can lower CoQ10 levels, especially in older adults or at higher doses. Some people with statin-related muscle aches also have low CoQ10, but it’s unclear if one causes the other.

Research hasn’t confirmed whether CoQ10 supplements help, so check with your healthcare provider before trying them.

4. Steroids

Steroids like prednisone, methylprednisolone, and dexamethasone help calm inflammation.

However, they can also reduce calcium absorption, raising the risk of bone loss, fractures, and osteoporosis. The risk is higher for older adults, postmenopausal women, and anyone who isn’t getting enough calcium or vitamin D.

Steroids may also lower levels of:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Potassium

If you’re taking steroids long-term, your provider may recommend bone-protective medications (such as Fosamax) or supplements to help support bone health.

5. Aspirin

Aspirin is an NSAID commonly used for pain, fever, and preventing blood clots.

Research shows it can lower vitamin C levels, though the long-term impact isn’t fully understood. Taking vitamin C with aspirin may also help reduce stomach issues like ulcers.

Long-term aspirin use may also lower iron levels, which could raise the risk of iron-deficiency anemia, though the connection isn’t completely clear.

If you take aspirin regularly, ask your healthcare provider whether vitamin C or iron supplements make sense for you.

6. Diuretics

Diuretics (e.g., “water pills”) help your body get rid of extra fluid and salt, which can lower blood pressure. Common types include thiazide diuretics (like chlorthalidone or hydrochlorothiazide) and loop diuretics (like torsemide or Lasix).

These medications can lead to nutrient losses:

• Loop diuretics: calcium, thiamin, magnesium, potassium
• Thiazides: zinc, magnesium, potassium

If you’re taking a water pill, check with your healthcare provider about whether you need any supplements.

7. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors

ACE inhibitors are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and certain heart or kidney conditions. Examples include ramipril, captopril, enalapril, and lisinopril.

People taking ACE inhibitors may have a higher risk of zinc deficiency, although captopril seems most likely to cause it—especially with long-term use, higher doses, or in people with conditions like heart failure or kidney disease.

If you’re on an ACE inhibitor, ask your healthcare provider whether you should keep an eye on your zinc levels.

8. Actos (Pioglitazone)

Actos (pioglitazone) is a TZD medication used to manage type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes already have a higher risk of fractures, and taking a TZD like pioglitazone may increase fracture risk further by lowering bone mineral density.

Because of this, your provider may recommend calcium and vitamin D supplements while you’re on a TZD.

If you take pioglitazone, talk with your healthcare provider about your bone health and whether you’re getting enough calcium and vitamin D—especially if you take it long-term or if you’re female, since fracture risk may be higher.

9. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRI antidepressants—like Lexapro, Prozac, and Zoloft—are commonly used to treat depression and other mental health conditions.

These medications may lower calcium and vitamin D levels, which can reduce your bone mineral density and increase your risk of osteoporosis, particularly with long-term or high-dose use.

If you take an SSRI, ask your healthcare provider whether you might benefit from a calcium or vitamin D supplement.

10. Birth Control Pills

Oral contraceptives, or birth control pills, prevent pregnancy by using one or more hormones. Common examples include Kariva, Lo Loestrin Fe, and Slynd.

Some studies suggest that these pills may lower levels of vitamins B6 and B12, folate, and magnesium. However, the research is mixed, and the link isn’t fully clear.

If you’re taking a birth control pill, ask your healthcare provider whether a supplement might be helpful.