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 · 7 nutrients with reported associations. These are talking points for your care team — not a diagnosis.
BETA-CAROTENE
Insignificant DepletionMINERAL OIL
Mineral oil is a laxative and reduces absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, including beta-carotene. This is not likely to be clinically significant when mineral oil is used for 4 months or less.
What Vitamin A does & food sources
Vitamin A supports vision, immune function, and skin health.
Common food sources:
- Liver and fish oils
- Dairy and eggs
- Orange and yellow vegetables (as beta-carotene)
- Leafy greens
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
What to discuss with your clinician
Ask your provider before supplementing vitamin A — status testing is not routine, and intake from food plus multivitamins is often already adequate.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Supplement considerations
Vitamin A is fat-soluble and accumulates; excess is harmful (and dangerous in pregnancy). Prefer food sources unless a clinician advises otherwise.
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: Avoid high-dose vitamin A in pregnancy or when trying to conceive unless a clinician directs it.
References (3)
- Hathcock JN. Metabolic mechanisms of drug-nutrient interactions. Fed Proc 1985;44:124-9.
- Becker GL. The case against mineral oil. Am J Digestive Dis 1952;19:344-8. PubMed
- Clark JH, Russell GJ, Fitzgerald JF, et al. Serum beta-carotene, retinol, and alpha-tocopherol levels during mineral oil therapy for constipation. Am J Dis Child 1987;141:1210-2.
PHOSPHATE SALTS
Insignificant DepletionMINERAL OIL
Mineral oil reduces absorption of vitamin D, which normally acts to increase phosphate absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and reabsorption in the kidney tubules. However, occasional or short-term use of mineral oil isn't likely to have a clinically significant effect on phosphate levels.
References (2)
- Hardman JG, Limbird LL, Molinoff PB, eds. Goodman and Gillman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 9th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1996.
- Becker GL. The case against mineral oil. Am J Digestive Dis 1952;19:344-8. PubMed
VITAMIN A
Insignificant DepletionMINERAL OIL
Mineral oil has been reported to reduce absorption of all fat-soluble vitamins. However, there was no change in serum vitamin A levels in children who used mineral oil for up to four months. Mineral oil should not be used on a regular basis due to its side effects; however, its effect on vitamin A levels with occasional use is unlikely to be clinically significant.
What Vitamin A does & food sources
Vitamin A supports vision, immune function, and skin health.
Common food sources:
- Liver and fish oils
- Dairy and eggs
- Orange and yellow vegetables (as beta-carotene)
- Leafy greens
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
What to discuss with your clinician
Ask your provider before supplementing vitamin A — status testing is not routine, and intake from food plus multivitamins is often already adequate.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Supplement considerations
Vitamin A is fat-soluble and accumulates; excess is harmful (and dangerous in pregnancy). Prefer food sources unless a clinician advises otherwise.
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: Avoid high-dose vitamin A in pregnancy or when trying to conceive unless a clinician directs it.
References (3)
- Hathcock JN. Metabolic mechanisms of drug-nutrient interactions. Fed Proc 1985;44:124-9.
- Becker GL. The case against mineral oil. Am J Digestive Dis 1952;19:344-8. PubMed
- Clark JH, Russell GJ, Fitzgerald JF, et al. Serum beta-carotene, retinol, and alpha-tocopherol levels during mineral oil therapy for constipation. Am J Dis Child 1987;141:1210-2.
VITAMIN D
Insignificant DepletionMINERAL OIL
Mineral oil can reduce absorption of both vitamin D and calcium. However, occasional or short-term use of mineral oil isn't likely to have a clinically significant effect.
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.
References (1)
- Becker GL. The case against mineral oil. Am J Digestive Dis 1952;19:344-8. PubMed
VITAMIN E
Insignificant DepletionMINERAL OIL
Mineral oil reduces absorption of all fat-soluble vitamins including vitamin E. However, serum vitamin E levels didn't change significantly in children who used mineral oil for up to four months. Occasional or short-term use of mineral oil isn't likely to have a clinically significant effect on vitamin E levels.
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.
References (3)
- Hathcock JN. Metabolic mechanisms of drug-nutrient interactions. Fed Proc 1985;44:124-9.
- Becker GL. The case against mineral oil. Am J Digestive Dis 1952;19:344-8. PubMed
- Clark JH, Russell GJ, Fitzgerald JF, et al. Serum beta-carotene, retinol, and alpha-tocopherol levels during mineral oil therapy for constipation. Am J Dis Child 1987;141:1210-2.
CALCIUM
Moderate DepletionMINERAL OIL
Mineral oil can interfere with calcium utilization and retention by reducing absorption of both calcium and vitamin D. Advise patients against regular or long-term use of mineral oil.
What Calcium does & food sources
Calcium builds and maintains bone and is essential for muscle contraction and nerve signaling.
Common food sources:
- Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese)
- Fortified plant milks and juices
- Canned fish with bones (sardines, salmon)
- Leafy greens like kale
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
What to discuss with your clinician
Ask your provider whether bone health monitoring (and vitamin D testing) makes sense with long-term use of an associated medication — a blood calcium level alone does not capture bone calcium status.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Supplement considerations
Calcium can interfere with the absorption of several medications (some antibiotics, thyroid medication, iron) — separate the doses and confirm timing with your pharmacist. Total intake from food plus supplements matters more than supplements alone.
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: Very high calcium intake has its own risks (kidney stones in susceptible people) — more is not better.
References (1)
- Becker GL. The case against mineral oil. Am J Digestive Dis 1952;19:344-8. PubMed
VITAMIN K
Moderate DepletionMINERAL OIL
Mineral oil can reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins including vitamin K. Chronic use, both daily and intermittently, has been associated with prolonged clotting times. Advise patients against regular or long-term use of mineral oil.
What Vitamin K does & food sources
Vitamin K is required for normal blood clotting and contributes to bone health.
Common food sources:
- Leafy green vegetables (spinach, kale, broccoli)
- Vegetable oils
- Fermented foods like natto
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
What to discuss with your clinician
If you take warfarin, vitamin K intake is a central part of your therapy — consistency matters more than avoidance. Discuss any planned change in vitamin K intake (diet or supplements) with the clinic that manages your INR.
HelloPharmacist pharmacist-reviewed education — separate from the licensed record above.
Supplement considerations
Never start or stop a vitamin K supplement on your own if you take warfarin — it directly changes how the medication works.
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 K interacts with warfarin: keep intake consistent and involve your anticoagulation clinic in any change.
References (1)
- Becker GL. The case against mineral oil. Am J Digestive Dis 1952;19:344-8. 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.