Nutrient Depletions Caused by Antibiotics

Prescription drugs can often deplete essential nutrients in your body, either by interfering with the nutrient’s absorption or increasing its elimination from your body.  In future blog posts I hope to cover some of the most common pharmaceuticals and the depletions they induce, however I thought I would begin with one that most people have used at least once in their life: antibiotics.

The following are nutrients depleted by antibiotics:

Carnitine Cephalosporin, cefditoren, pivampicillin, and sulfadiazine may all reduce carnitine.

Folic acid Antibiotics, such as chloramphenicol and cycloserine, may cause an imbalance in normal gastrointestinal (GI) flora, resulting in an interference with the absorption of folic acid.

Iron Tetracyclines may reduce the absorption of iron.

Niacin Chloramphenicol may cause a vitamin B₃ deficiency.

Potassium Prolonged use of aminoglycosides may result in lowered potassium levels. High dose ampicillin and broad-spectrum penicillins may also deplete potassium.

Probiotics All antibiotics destroy beneficial bacteria important in digestive and immune health.

Vitamin A Neomycin interferes with the absorption of vitamin A.

Riboflavin/Vitamin B2 Antibiotics can decrease riboflavin.

Vitamin D The antibiotic rifampin can cause osteomalacia and therefore increase bone loss.

Vitamin K Broad-spectrum antibiotics like Bactrum, as well as the antibiotics rifampin and isoniazid can deplete vitamin K.

So you can see, the possible nutrient depletions caused by antibiotics are fairly extensive. The above sources are limited to human studies and therefore do not include further possible depletions found in animal studies.

In general, the longer you take an antibiotic, the greater the risk for nutrient depletions. Risk may also be increased in those whose bodies are already weakened due to surgery or disease, as well as in the elderly or very young.

In certain cases antibiotics are life-saving and necessary. However in many cases there are natural alternatives which are just as effective that do not result in the above depletions. Ask your naturopathic doctor about your options.

I encourage you to ask your doctor about possible nutrient depletions, especially if you are required to go on antibiotics for a prolonged period of time. Testing to check for depletions and appropriate supplementation may be warranted.