Get in the Know: Depletions and Interactions

Natural herbs and supplements can be a beneficial part of a well-rounded lifestyle, but it’s important to note that anyone can experience a reaction that affects how well vital nutrients are absorbed. The two most common reactions that natural supplements can cause are depletions and interactions.

Depletion occurs when a supplement enters the system and either blocks the optimal intake of a nutrient or causes the body to rapidly lose a specific nutrient. For example, cholesterol-lowering drugs such as Lipitor and Zocor can deplete levels of Coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant that plays a major role in cell function, immunity, and anti-aging. To counteract depletion, you may need to supplement your diet with additional supplements or adjust your diet to increase your intake of depleted substances.

When an interaction develops, a supplement that is taken changes the way that a nutrient works within the body. Sometimes, an interaction is a good thing (as when Prozac, an anti-depressant, is made more effective when taken with folic acid), but it can often be harmful and even dangerous. One such example is when the popular herb St. John’s Wort is taken with Lanoxin, a medication commonly prescribed to regulate and strengthen the heart beat.

To find out if a supplement you’re taking has the potential to cause an interaction or depletion, make note of the generic and brand names of all of the medications that you’re taking and list the supplements you take or would like to consume. Discuss your list with your physician or pharmacist to determine what is safe for you take, what is better for you to avoid, and what supplements you may need to take to make up for any deficiencies. You can also try to look everything up online.

If you see multiple doctors, make sure they are all aware of everything you’re taking, and remind them of your list whenever you are prescribed something new.