Adverse Effects of Medications on Micronutrient Status: From Evidence to Guidelines

Abstract

Recent dietary reference intake workshops focusing on nutrient requirements in chronic disease populations have called attention to the potential adverse effects of chronic medication use on micronutrient status. Although this topic is mostly ill defined in the literature, several noteworthy drug–nutrient interactions (DNIs) are of clinical and public health significance. The purpose of this narrative review is to showcase classic examples of DNIs and their impact on micronutrient status, including those related to antidiabetic, anticoagulant, antihypertensive, antirheumatic, and gastric acid–suppressing medications. Purported DNIs related to other drug families, while relevant and worthy of discussion, are not included. Unlike previous publications, this review is primarily focused on DNIs that have sufficient evidence supporting their inclusion in US Food and Drug Administration labeling materials and/or professional guidelines. While the evidence is compelling, more high-quality research is needed to establish clear and quantitative relationships between chronic medication use and micronutrient status.