Gemfibrozil & Nutrient Depletion
Also searched as Lopid. What the clinical evidence reports, what it may mean, and what to discuss with your pharmacist.
Gemfibrozil has been associated with depletion of VITAMIN E. This does not mean a deficiency will occur — it means these are worth knowing about and, if you take Gemfibrozil long-term, worth raising with your pharmacist or healthcare provider.
Take more than one medication? Open the checker with Gemfibrozil pre-loaded and add the rest to see overlapping nutrient signals.
Reported nutrient depletions with Gemfibrozil
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 E
Insufficient EvidenceGEMFIBROZIL (Lopid)
Data on the effects of gemfibrozil on vitamin E levels is conflicting. Some studies found decreased levels while others did not. The clinical significance of any change isn't known.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect your cells from damage and supports your immune system. A handful of studies have looked at whether gemfibrozil, a cholesterol-lowering medication, affects vitamin E levels in the blood, and the results have pointed in different directions. Some found a modest drop, others found no change at all, so right now there simply is not enough consistent evidence to say whether this is something to worry about. Most people taking gemfibrozil do not need to act on this, but if you have concerns, it is worth a quick conversation with your pharmacist or doctor.
What Vitamin E does & food sources
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes.
Common food sources:
- Vegetable oils
- Nuts and seeds
- Wheat germ
- Leafy greens
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
What to discuss with your clinician
Deficiency is rare; ask your provider before supplementing, particularly if you take blood thinners.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Supplement considerations
Higher-dose vitamin E can increase bleeding tendency, especially with warfarin or antiplatelet medications.
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: Discuss vitamin E supplements with your provider if you take any blood thinner.
Learn more about this nutrient: Vitamin E — uses, safety & interactions
References (4)
- Aberg F, Appelkvist EL, Broijersen A, et al. Gemfibrozil-induced decrease in serum ubiquinone and alpha- and gamma- tocopherol levels in men with combined hyperlipidaemia. Eur J Clin Invest 1998;28:235-42.
- Bredie SJ, de Bruin TW, Demacker PN, et al. Comparison of gemfibrozil versus simvastatin in familial combined hyperlipidemia and effects on apolipoprotein-B-containing lipoproteins, low-density lipoprotein subfraction profile, and low-density lipoprotein
- Yoshida H, Ishikawa T, Ayaori M, et al. Beneficial effect of gemfibrozil on the chemical composition and oxidative susceptibility of low density lipoprotein: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Atherosclerosis 1998;139:179-87. PubMed
- Aberg F, Appelkvist EL, Broijersen A, et al. Gemfibrozil-induced decrease in serum ubiquinone and alpha- and gamma-tocopherol levels in men with combined hyperlipidaemia. Eur J Clin Invest 1998;28:235-42.
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 Gemfibrozil
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.
Gemfibrozil & nutrients: FAQs
Does Gemfibrozil deplete VITAMIN E?
Should I take a supplement because I take Gemfibrozil?
Should I stop taking Gemfibrozil?
Where does this information come from?
Questions about Gemfibrozil and your nutrition?
Ask a licensed pharmacist — free, no appointment needed.
Sources & How We Checked
Nutrient depletion records for Gemfibrozil 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.