Prescription medications can be lifesaving. But there’s something many people don’t realize: some commonly used medications can affect how your body absorbs, uses or maintains certain vitamins and minerals.
That doesn’t mean you should stop taking a medication—or automatically start taking supplements. But if you’ve been on certain medications for months or years, it may be worth asking your doctor whether any nutrients should be monitored.
Here are seven common examples.
1. Acid-Reflux Medications and Vitamin B12
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole are commonly used for heartburn and acid reflux.
Because stomach acid helps release vitamin B12 from food, long-term suppression of stomach acid can make it harder for some people to absorb enough B12.
Low B12 can sometimes contribute to fatigue, weakness, numbness or tingling, balance problems and memory difficulties.
2. Metformin and Vitamin B12
Metformin is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for type 2 diabetes.
Long-term use has been associated with lower vitamin B12 levels in some people.
That matters because symptoms of B12 deficiency—particularly tingling or numbness in the hands and feet—can sometimes resemble symptoms associated with diabetes itself.
If you’ve taken metformin for a long time, ask your healthcare provider whether checking B12 makes sense for you.
3. Certain Diuretics and Potassium
Diuretics, sometimes called “water pills,” are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, heart problems and fluid retention.
Some types can increase the amount of potassium lost through urine. Depending on the medication, magnesium and sodium levels can also be affected.
However, other types of diuretics can actually raise potassium levels. This is why you should never start a potassium supplement simply because you take a water pill.
4. Acid-Reflux Medications and Magnesium
Vitamin B12 isn’t the only nutrient worth watching with long-term PPI use.
In some people, prolonged use has been associated with low magnesium levels.
Magnesium plays a role in normal muscle, nerve and heart function, so significantly low levels deserve medical attention.
5. Corticosteroids and Bone-Supporting Nutrients
Long-term use of corticosteroids such as prednisone can affect bone health and calcium metabolism.
People who need these medications for extended periods may be advised to pay closer attention to calcium and vitamin D, along with other steps to protect bone density.
The important word here is long-term. A short course of steroids isn’t the same as taking them continuously for months or years.
6. Certain Cholesterol Medications and CoQ10
Statins work by blocking an enzyme involved in cholesterol production. The same biochemical pathway is also involved in the body’s production of coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10.
Studies have found that statin therapy can lower circulating CoQ10 levels.
You may have seen claims that everyone taking a statin therefore needs a CoQ10 supplement. The evidence isn’t that straightforward, particularly when it comes to whether supplementation reliably prevents statin-related muscle symptoms.
If you’re experiencing unexplained muscle pain or weakness while taking a statin, discuss it with your doctor rather than stopping the medication yourself.
7. Certain Seizure Medications and Vitamin D
Some anticonvulsant medications can interfere with vitamin D metabolism when used over long periods.
Because vitamin D plays an important role in calcium absorption and bone health, people taking certain seizure medications long-term may need periodic monitoring.
What Should You Do?
The answer isn’t to fill your medicine cabinet with supplements.
Instead, look at your medication list.
If you’ve been taking the same prescription for years, ask a simple question at your next appointment:
“Are there any vitamins or minerals I should have checked because of this medication?”
A basic blood test may provide far more useful information than guessing.
And remember: never stop a prescribed medication or add a high-dose supplement without discussing it with your healthcare provider first.
