Anti-inflammatory medications - salicylates

Depletions

Depleted levels of iron may lead to anemia and weakened immune function. In the event of anemia, symptoms include dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin color, and possibly irregular heartbeat.

Note: Iron loss is secondary to bleeding.

Symptoms of potassium deficiency include loss of appetite, nausea, drowsiness, feelings of apprehension, excessive thirst, irrational behavior, fatigue, muscle pain, and weakness (usually of the lower limbs); severe cases may lead to irregular heartbeat.

Low levels of folic acid have been linked to anemia, heart disease, and birth defects.

Vitamin C deficiency may include bruising, fever, anemia, emotional changes, swollen and bleeding gums, fatigue, lethargy, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), increased susceptibility to infections, slow wound healing, and swelling of the lower limbs. Severe deficiency leads to scurvy, a disorder that affects muscles and bones and is potentially fatal. However, scurvy is rare these days because of the wide availability of vitamin C from dietary sources.

Supporting Research

Ames BN. Micronutrient deficiencies: A major cause of DNA damage. Ann NY Acad Sci. 2000;889:87-106.

Carr AC, Frei B. Toward a new recommended dietary allowance for vitamin C based on antioxidant and health effects in humans. Am J Clin Nutr. 1999;69:1086-1087.

Coffey G. and Wilson CWM. Ascorbic acid deficiency and aspirin-induced haematemesis. BMJ. 1975;1:208.

Humphreys M. Potassium disturbances and associated electrocardiogram changes. Emerg Nurse. 2007;15(5):28-34.

Li Y, Schellhorn HE. New developments and novel therapeutic perspectives for vitamin C. J Nutr. 2007;137(10):2171-84.

Liamis G, Mitrogianni Z, Liberopoulos EN, Tsimihodimos V, Elisaf M. Electrolyte disturbances in patients with hyponatremia. Intern Med. 2007;46(11):685-90.

Lin SH, Halperin ML. Hypokalemia: a practical approach to diagnosis and its genetic basis. Curr Med Chem. 2007;14(14):1551-65.

Moretti R, Torre P, Antonello RM, Cazzato G, Cattaruzza T, Scapicchio PL. Vitamin B12 and folate depletion: clinical evidence in a neurological population. Neurologist. 2004;10(6):338-43.

Pelton R, LaValle J, Hawkins EB, et al. Drug Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook. Hudson, OH:LexiComp, Inc.;2001:422-424.

Reynolds E. Vitamin B12, folic acid, and the nervous system. Lancet Neurol. 2006;5(11):949-60.

Thompson J. Vitamins, minerals and supplements: overview of vitamin C (5). Community Pract. 2007;80(1):35-6.

Zimmermann MB, Hurrell RF. Nutritional iron deficiency. Lancet. 2007;370(9586):511-20.

Alternative Names

Overview

Medications

• Aspirin
  • Anacin[OTC]
  • Arthritis Foundation Pain Reliever [OTC]
  • Ascriptin[OTC]
  • Aspergum[OTC]
  • Asprimox[OTC]
  • Bayer Aspirin [OTC]
  • Bayer Buffered Aspirin [OTC]
  • Bayer Low Adult Strength [OTC]
  • Bufferin[OTC]
  • Buffex[OTC]
  • Cama Arthritis Pain Reliever [OTC]
  • Easprin
  • Ecotrin Low Adult Strength [OTC]
  • Ecotrin[OTC]
  • Empirin[OTC]
  • Extra Strength Adprin-B[OTC]
  • Extra Strength Bayer Enteric 500 Aspirin [OTC]
  • Extra Strength Bayer Plus [OTC]
  • Halfprin® 81[OTC]
  • Heartline[OTC]
  • Regular Strength Bayer Enteric 500 Aspirin [OTC]
  • St Joseph Adult Chewable Aspirin [OTC]
  • ZORprin

Editorial Note

The selected depletions information presented here identifies some of the nutrients that may be depleted by certain medications. The signs and symptoms associated with nutrient deficiency may also indicate conditions other than nutrient deficiency. If you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms mentioned, it does not necessarily mean that you are nutrient deficient. Nutrient depletion depends upon a number of factors, including your medical history, diet, and lifestyle, as well as the length of time you have been taking the medication. Please consult your health care provider; he or she can best assess and address your individual health care needs and determine if you are at risk for nutrient depletions from these medications, as well as others not listed here.