Antidepressant-Induced Nutrient Depletion
Drug-induced nutrient depletion can result when taking antidepressants.
Symptoms of nutrient deficiency may go misdiagnosed while taking medication as either a side effect of the drug or a different physical problem (for which you may be prescribed another drug, worsening the whole situation).
Additionally, deficiency may take a while to occur, so its symptoms aren’t immediately associated with the drug.
Knowing what to watch out for will help you to prevent or address any possible nutrient deficiency.
3 Nutrients Depleted by Antidepressants
It’s time to rethink your prescription.
1. CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10 (abbreviated to CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone) is a vital enzyme that mitochondria use to convert oxygen and nutrients into energy.
In addition, CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant in cell membranes and lipoproteins—so important for reducing oxidative stress and consequential inflammation in the body. (9)
Tricyclic antidepressants can cause a deficiency of this enzyme and vitamin B2. (10)
Symptoms include muscular fatigue, problems with mucous membranes of the eyes and nose, impeded nervous system (including brain) function, involuntary muscle contractions, vision loss, hearing loss, seizures, decreased muscle tone, and kidney and heart dysfunction. (11, 12)
The supreme irony of CoQ10 deficiency resulting from antidepressant drugs is that CoQ10 itself is an antidepressant. (13, 14)
Foods with significant CoQ10 include meat and fish, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables (especially cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, bok choy, and Brussels sprouts).