BrittanyYount
11/20/2011
Chapter 14-Nutrient-Drug Interactions: Who should be concerned?
Section I. The Controversy
This controversy talks about how we need to be aware of our nutrient intake and the drugs that
can interact with it. Everyone is different so each person needs to be aware if taking prescription
medication or using illicit drugs. What you eat and don't eat can affect your health in many
different ways. Your age and current health state play a role nutrient drug interaction. Ways such
as the absorption of both drugs and nutrients. A persons physical activity level can also affect
your body's response to nutrients and drugs within it.
Section II. Summary
Nutrients and drugs go hand and hand. The people that are affected the most are the elderly. An
average elder takes about 6 prescription medications at a time. Not including herbs and other
supplements. The older you are it seems to increase your risk for toxicities. Age alters
metabolism and excretion. Not only the elder seek out all natural herds and supplements. People
of all ages do as well. The biggest concern seem to be that these people are not informing their
physicians or seeking out information about the herb or supplement being taken. Not realizing
the risks it has if taking medications. Many people also don't inform their physicians if using
illicit drugs. An example of a herb is Ginkgo. This herb can increase the effects of anti-blood
clotting medications, especially aspirin. When we are sick and the doctor prescribes an antibiotic
to help us fight off the infection. There are warning signs on the label. Telling us "not to take on
empty stomach" or "not to take with dairy products". The reason for these warnings are because
it can affect the absorption of the medication, thus it would decrease the actual dosage. over
using laxatives can effect vitamin absorption through the intestines. This could lead to
malnutrition. While taking an Anti-depressant be careful drinking and be aware of the foods you
eat. For example some cheese and wines have a chemical in them called Tyramine. If this
chemical builds up in your body it could possibly be fatal. Also a chemical in grape fruit juice
can interact with a blood thinner called Coumarin and cause prolonged bleeding. Soy milk has a
different effect it reduces the blood levels of the drug. Nutrients don't just effect drugs, but drugs
interact with your nutrient balance as well. Such as aspirin, too much of this drug can lead to
Iron-Deficiency Anemia. women taking an oral birth control could b at risk for low vitamin B12
and Beta-carotene. They also have the risk of having high vitamin D levels. Caffeine is the most
widely consumed drug in the U.S. Caffeine use can increase respiratory rate and your stress
levels may increase. Tobacco is another very common drug used. Tobacco not only leads to
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