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Whole Health Psychiatry
Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletions
Drug-induced nutrient depletion occurs when medications impair the body’s ability to absorb, utilize, store, or retain essential vitamins and minerals. These depletions often develop gradually and can be mistaken for side effects, worsening mental health symptoms and contributing to declining health. The mechanisms vary by drug class but may include inhibition of nutrient transporters, increased urinary excretion, altered stomach acid levels, or enzymatic interference that disrupts nutrient metabolism.
For example, SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) may cause sodium depletion by increasing antidiuretic hormone (ADH) activity, which leads to water retention and dilution of sodium levels (hyponatremia). They can also interfere with synthesizing coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a mitochondrial coenzyme essential for cellular energy production, antioxidant defense, and cardiovascular and neurological function. Low levels of CoQ10 have been associated with fatigue, muscle weakness and pain, and cognitive fog.
Additionally, stimulant medications commonly prescribed for ADHD can deplete magnesium and zinc due to increased urinary losses and metabolic demand while also lowering vitamin B6 levels—each of which plays a crucial role in neurotransmitter synthesis and mood stability.
It’s also well-documented that cholesterol-lowering statins and certain blood pressure medications, such as beta-blockers, deplete CoQ10. Given CoQ10’s critical role in ATP production, mitochondrial health, and oxidative stress reduction, this depletion may contribute to fatigue, mood changes, and reduced physical stamina—especially in individuals already managing chronic stress or psychiatric conditions.
Understanding and proactively addressing these depletions through individualized nutrition support and targeted supplementation is a powerful way to enhance medication effectiveness and long-term mental and physical well-being.
As part of my integrative approach to mental health, I’ve invested significant time studying the research and clinical work of experts in the field of nutritional psychiatry and drug-induced nutrient depletions. One of the more influential resources I’ve drawn from is Nutritional Medicine by Dr. Alan Gaby, a comprehensive clinical reference I continue to consult alongside the work of other respected leaders in this area. This evidence-based foundation allows me to understand better how medications contribute to nutrient deficiencies impacting both mental and physical health—often subtly and over time.
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Dr. Alan Gaby is widely recognized as a leading authority on the clinical applications of nutrition, particularly in identifying and addressing drug-induced nutrient depletions. His landmark textbook, Nutritional Medicine, synthesizes over 16,800 scientific references and provides an extensive, evidence-based analysis of how common medications—including psychiatric drugs—can deplete essential nutrients.
Dr. Gaby’s detailed exploration of the biochemical mechanisms behind these depletions helps bridge the gap between conventional medicine and nutritional therapy. He has served as president of the American Holistic Medical Association and as a professor of nutrition at Bastyr University, contributing extensively to clinical education and the advancement of integrative care. His work has been instrumental in informing more healthcare providers to recognize, prevent, and correct nutrient depletions that improve patient outcomes.
Traditional medical education emphasizes diagnostics, pharmacologic treatments, and disease pathology (without understanding nutrient depletion as a potential contributing factor), with minimal focus on nutrition beyond addressing overt deficiencies (like scurvy or rickets). As a result, many providers are not formally trained to recognize the subtle or cumulative effects of nutrient depletions caused by long-term medication use—especially when symptoms overlap with common side effects or mental health concerns.