Does My Medication Cause Nutrient Depletion?
Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can lower your levels of important vitamins and minerals over time. Search your medication below to see what it may deplete — with evidence ratings and what to discuss with your pharmacist.
Potential nutrient considerations for your selected medication
1 medication checked · 6 nutrients with reported associations. These are talking points for your care team — not a diagnosis.
COPPER
Insignificant DepletionZIDOVUDINE (Retrovir)
Decreased plasma copper levels are found in some people with HIV infection treated with zidovudine. However, preliminary clinical research suggests this is beneficial; patients with lower copper levels appear to have a slight survival advantage.
What Copper does & food sources
Copper supports iron metabolism, nerve function, and connective tissue formation.
Common food sources:
- Shellfish and organ meats
- Nuts and seeds
- Whole grains
- Dark chocolate
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
What to discuss with your clinician
Copper questions usually arise alongside long-term zinc use or certain absorption conditions — ask your provider whether testing makes sense in your situation.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Supplement considerations
Copper and zinc balance each other; supplementing either long-term without guidance can unbalance the other.
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.
References (2)
- Baum MK, Javier JJ, Mantero-Atienza E, et al. Zidovudine-associated adverse reactions in a longitudinal study of asymptomatic HIV-1-infected homosexual males. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 1991;4:1218-26.
- Lai H, Lai S, Shor-Posner G, et al. Plasma zinc, copper, copper:zinc ratio, and survival in a cohort of HIV-1-infected homosexual men. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr Human Retrovirol 2001;27:56-62. DOI
VITAMIN B12
Insignificant DepletionZIDOVUDINE (Retrovir)
Reduced serum vitamin B12 levels may occur when zidovudine therapy is started. This adds to other factors that cause low vitamin B12 levels in people with HIV, and might contribute to the hematological toxicity associated with zidovudine. Some data suggest vitamin B12 supplements aren't helpful for people taking zidovudine. However, one case report shows that zidovudine-associated refractory macrocytic anemia resolved within 3 months of discontinuing zidovudine and receiving parenteral vitamin B12. For information on foods that are rich in vitamin B12, see our chart.
What Vitamin B12 does & food sources
Vitamin B12 supports red blood cell formation, nerve function, and DNA synthesis.
Common food sources:
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Eggs and dairy products
- Fortified cereals and nutritional yeast
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
What to discuss with your clinician
If you take an associated medication long-term, ask your healthcare provider whether checking a vitamin B12 level (sometimes with methylmalonic acid) is appropriate — especially if you notice fatigue, numbness, tingling, or memory changes.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Supplement considerations
B12 status is easy to check and low levels are usually straightforward to address, so testing before supplementing is often the sensible order. High-dose folic acid can mask a B12 deficiency, which is one reason B12 and folate questions are best sorted out together with your provider.
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: B12 deficiency can look like other conditions — do not self-diagnose from symptoms alone.
References (5)
- Paltiel O, Falutz J, Veilleux M, et al. Clinical correlates of subnormal vitamin B12 levels in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. Am J Hematol 1995;49:318-22. PubMed
- Richman DD, Fischl MA, Grieco MH, et al. The toxicity of azidothymidine (AZT) in the treatment of patients with AIDS and AIDS-related complex. N Engl J Med 1987;317:192-7. DOI
- Kaweme NM, Butress SMN, Mantina HM. Long-Term Zidovudine Therapy and Whether It is a Trigger of Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A Case Study of Megaloblastic Anemia at the University of Zambia Teaching Hospital. Case Rep Hematol 2022;2022:3827616. PubMed
- Falguera M, Perez-Mur J, Puig T, Cao G. Study of the role of vitamin B12 and folinic acid supplementation in preventing hematologic toxicity of zidovudine. Eur J Haematol 1995;55:97-102.
- Gharakhanian S, Navarette MS, Cardon B, Rozenbaum W. Vitamin B12 injections in patients treated with zidovudine. AIDS 1990;4:701-2. PubMed
ACETYL-L-CARNITINE
Insufficient EvidenceZIDOVUDINE (Retrovir)
Low L-carnitine blood levels are found in some people with HIV infection. Zidovudine seems to exacerbate this, and can also lower muscle carnitine levels, which is linked to symptoms of myopathy. Zidovudine interferes with mitochondrial transport of L-carnitine into muscle cells. In vitro data suggest L-carnitine supplements might improve functioning of muscle cells affected by zidovudine, but there is not enough data to recommend routine use of L-carnitine or acetyl-L-carnitine supplements for patients taking zidovudine.
References (4)
- Mintz M. Carnitine in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection/acquired immune deficiency syndrome. J Child Neurol 1995;10:S40-4. DOI
- Dalakas MC, Leon-Monzon ME, Bernardini I, et al. Zidovudine-induced mitochondrial myopathy is associated with muscle carnitine deficiency and lipid storage. Ann Neurol 1994;35:482-7. PubMed
- Campos Y, Arenas J. Muscle carnitine deficiency associated with zidovudine-induced mitochondrial myopathy. Ann Neurol 1994;36:680-1. PubMed
- Georges B, Galland S, Rigault C, et al. Beneficial effects of L-carnitine in myoblastic C2C12 cells. Interaction with zidovudine. Biochem Pharmacol 2003;65:1483-8.. PubMed
L-CARNITINE
Insufficient EvidenceZIDOVUDINE (Retrovir)
Low L-carnitine blood levels are found in some people with HIV infection. Zidovudine seems to exacerbate this, and can also lower muscle carnitine levels, which is linked to symptoms of myopathy. Zidovudine interferes with mitochondrial transport of L-carnitine into muscle cells. In vitro data suggest L-carnitine supplements might improve functioning of muscle cells affected by zidovudine, but there isn't enough evidence to recommend routine use of L-carnitine supplements for patients taking zidovudine.
What Carnitine does & food sources
Carnitine shuttles fatty acids into cells' mitochondria so they can be burned for energy.
Common food sources:
- Red meat (the richest source)
- Poultry and fish
- Dairy products
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
What to discuss with your clinician
Carnitine questions come up with specific medications (for example, valproic acid) and specific situations — this is a conversation for your prescriber, who can weigh testing or supplementation.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Supplement considerations
Carnitine supplements are usually reserved for clinician-identified situations rather than general use.
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.
References (4)
- Mintz M. Carnitine in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection/acquired immune deficiency syndrome. J Child Neurol 1995;10:S40-4. DOI
- Dalakas MC, Leon-Monzon ME, Bernardini I, et al. Zidovudine-induced mitochondrial myopathy is associated with muscle carnitine deficiency and lipid storage. Ann Neurol 1994;35:482-7. PubMed
- Campos Y, Arenas J. Muscle carnitine deficiency associated with zidovudine-induced mitochondrial myopathy. Ann Neurol 1994;36:680-1. PubMed
- Georges B, Galland S, Rigault C, et al. Beneficial effects of L-carnitine in myoblastic C2C12 cells. Interaction with zidovudine. Biochem Pharmacol 2003;65:1483-8.. PubMed
PROPIONYL-L-CARNITINE
Insufficient EvidenceZIDOVUDINE (Retrovir)
Low L-carnitine blood levels are found in some people with HIV infection. Zidovudine seems to exacerbate this, and can also lower muscle carnitine levels, which is linked to symptoms of myopathy. Zidovudine interferes with mitochondrial transport of L-carnitine into muscle cells. In vitro data suggest L-carnitine supplements might improve functioning of muscle cells affected by zidovudine, but there is not enough data to recommend routine use of L-carnitine or propionyl-L-carnitine supplements for patients taking zidovudine.
References (4)
- Mintz M. Carnitine in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection/acquired immune deficiency syndrome. J Child Neurol 1995;10:S40-4. DOI
- Dalakas MC, Leon-Monzon ME, Bernardini I, et al. Zidovudine-induced mitochondrial myopathy is associated with muscle carnitine deficiency and lipid storage. Ann Neurol 1994;35:482-7. PubMed
- Campos Y, Arenas J. Muscle carnitine deficiency associated with zidovudine-induced mitochondrial myopathy. Ann Neurol 1994;36:680-1. PubMed
- Georges B, Galland S, Rigault C, et al. Beneficial effects of L-carnitine in myoblastic C2C12 cells. Interaction with zidovudine. Biochem Pharmacol 2003;65:1483-8.. PubMed
ZINC
Insufficient EvidenceZIDOVUDINE (Retrovir)
Some data suggest that zidovudine contributes to the decreased zinc plasma levels associated with AIDS. However, the role of zinc supplementation is controversial. It has been reported that zinc supplements can reduce the incidence of opportunistic infections in AIDS patients.
What Zinc does & food sources
Zinc supports immune function, wound healing, taste and smell, and many enzyme systems.
Common food sources:
- Meat and shellfish (especially oysters)
- Beans and lentils
- Nuts and seeds
- Whole grains
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
What to discuss with your clinician
Ask about zinc status if you take an associated medication long-term and notice slow wound healing, frequent infections, or taste changes — a clinician can decide whether testing or an empiric plan makes sense.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Supplement considerations
Zinc competes with copper for absorption — long-term, higher-dose zinc without medical guidance can cause copper deficiency. Zinc also binds some antibiotics in the gut, so dose timing matters.
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: Keep zinc doses moderate and time them away from interacting medications — ask your pharmacist.
References (2)
- Segal S, Kaminski S. Drug-nutrient interactions. American Druggist 1996 Jul;42-8.
- Mocchegiani E, Veccia S, Ancarani F, et al. Benefit of oral zinc supplementation as an adjunct to zidovudine (AZT) therapy against opportunistic infections in AIDS. Int J Immunopharmacol 1995;17:719-27. 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.
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.
Nutrient depletion FAQs
Can medications really deplete nutrients?
Does an entry in this checker mean I am deficient?
Should I take a supplement if my medication appears here?
What labs should I ask about?
Can supplements interact with my medications?
Where does this information come from, and how is it reviewed?
Not sure what your results mean?
Ask a licensed pharmacist — free, no appointment needed.
Sources & How We Checked
Nutrient depletion records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database, and are displayed as published with their citations. The plain-English education is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
- Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) — Evidence-graded clinical reference for drug-induced nutrient depletions, supplements, and interactions — the basis for this checker.
- 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.