Dalteparin & Nutrient Depletion
Also searched as Fragmin. What the clinical evidence reports, what it may mean, and what to discuss with your pharmacist.
Dalteparin has been associated with depletion of VITAMIN D. This does not mean a deficiency will occur — it means these are worth knowing about and, if you take Dalteparin long-term, worth raising with your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
Take more than one medication? Open the checker with Dalteparin pre-loaded and add the rest to see overlapping nutrient signals.
Reported nutrient depletions with Dalteparin
Each record below is shown as published in our licensed clinical database, with its evidence rating and citations. Expand a section for food sources and talking points.
VITAMIN D
Insignificant DepletionLOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT HEPARINS (LMWHs)
Reduced bone density has been reported with LMWHs, but probably to a lesser extent than with unfractionated heparin. The effect is primarily due to direct effects of heparins on bone (increased resorption and reduced bone formation), but metabolism of vitamin D to its active form is also reduced. Although it's not clear whether vitamin D and calcium supplements prevent bone loss associated with LMWH, people needing therapy with LMWH for several months should maintain their recommended daily intakes of vitamin D and calcium, using supplements if necessary. For information on foods that are rich in vitamin D, see our chart.
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and keep bones strong, and dalteparin may interfere with the step that converts vitamin D into its usable, active form. That said, the overall effect on vitamin D levels is considered insignificant for most people, and routine supplementation is not needed. If you happen to be taking dalteparin for several months, it is reasonable to simply make sure you are meeting your regular daily vitamin D and calcium targets through food or supplements. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have questions about where you stand.
What Vitamin D does & food sources
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and supports bone, muscle, and immune health.
Common food sources:
- Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel)
- Fortified milk and cereals
- Egg yolks
- Sunlight exposure (the main natural source)
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
What to discuss with your clinician
A 25-hydroxyvitamin D blood test is the standard way to assess status — ask whether it is appropriate if you take an associated medication long-term, have limited sun exposure, or have bone concerns.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Supplement considerations
Vitamin D dosing varies a lot between people; some medications change how vitamin D is processed. Your provider can target a dose to your level instead of guessing.
Do not start or stop medications or supplements without professional guidance — supplements can interact with prescription medications.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Caution: Vitamin D is fat-soluble and can accumulate — very high doses over time can cause harm, so follow a clinician-guided plan.
Learn more about this nutrient: Vitamin D — uses, safety & interactions
References (6)
- Martineau P, Tawil N. Low-molecular-weight heparins in the treatment of deep-vein thrombosis. Ann Pharmacother 1998;32:588-98,601. PubMed
- Monreal M, Olive A, Lafoz E, del Rio L. Heparins, coumarin and bone density (letter). Lancet 1991;338:706. PubMed
- Pettila V, Leinonen P, Markkola A, et al. Postpartum bone mineral density in women treated for thromboprophylaxis with unfractionated heparin or LMW heparin. Thromb Haemost 2002;87:182-6. DOI
- Sivakumaran M, Ghosh K, Zaidi Y, Hutchinson RM. Osteoporosis and vertebral collapse following low-dose, low molecular weight heparin therapy in a young patient. Clin Lab Haematol 1996;18:55-7. PubMed
- Tannirandorn P, Epstein S. Drug-induced bone loss. Osteoporos Int 2000;11:637-59. PubMed
- Aarskog D, Aksnes L, Lehmann V. Low 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in heparin-induced osteopenia (letter). Lancet 1980;2:650-1. PubMed
This tool is educational and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. An association is not a diagnosis and does not mean a deficiency will occur. Always talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or supplement.
Disclaimer: This checker finds which nutrients might be depleted by prescription or over-the-counter medications. Each nutrient depletion issue is rated based on clinical significance. Use your own professional judgment prior to making clinical decisions.© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center Licensed records refresh weekly · last updated July 3, 2026.
More about Dalteparin
What drug-induced nutrient depletion means
Some medications can, over time, lower the levels of certain vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients — through reduced absorption, increased loss, or changes in how the body uses them.
Association is not deficiency
An entry here means a depletion has been reported or studied — not that it happens to everyone, or that you are deficient. Dose, duration, diet, and your own health all matter.
Evidence varies by pair
Some drug–nutrient links (like metformin and vitamin B12) are well studied; others rest on limited or preliminary research. Each entry shows the evidence rating from our licensed clinical database.
When to ask about labs
If you take an associated medication long-term, ask your healthcare provider whether monitoring is appropriate for you. Not everyone needs testing — your provider can weigh your dose, duration, and symptoms.
Don't self-supplement blindly
Supplements are not risk-free: some can interact with medications, and some (like potassium or magnesium) can be risky with kidney disease. Talk to your pharmacist before adding anything.
Never stop a medication over this
These medications are prescribed for good reasons, and the benefit usually far outweighs a manageable nutrient consideration. Any change belongs in a conversation with your prescriber.
Food first, usually
For many nutrients, a varied diet covers the gap. Each entry lists common food sources; a supplement is a decision to make with your pharmacist or provider, not a default.
Dalteparin & nutrients: FAQs
Does Dalteparin deplete VITAMIN D?
Should I take a supplement because I take Dalteparin?
Should I stop taking Dalteparin?
Where does this information come from?
Questions about Dalteparin and your nutrition?
Ask a licensed pharmacist — free, no appointment needed.
Sources & How We Checked
Nutrient depletion records for Dalteparin are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database, and are displayed as published with their citations.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference for drug-induced nutrient depletions, supplements, and interactions — the basis for this page.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine — NIH consumer drug information, used for medication overviews across the site.
Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.