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  • Writer's pictureKimberly King, MS, CNS-c

Drug Induced Nutrient Depletions: Asthma Medications

Updated: Jun 29



asthma inhaler

Drug-induced nutrient depletions (DIND) occur when medications cause nutrients to be depleted from our bodies. There are many nutrients that can be depleted by asthma medications.

In the United States, approximately 1 in 12 people (25 million) have asthma, including 6 million children [1]. In addition, asthma

disproportionately affects racial and ethnic

minority groups and economically disadvantaged. Asthma is a health condition that involves the lungs wherein the airways narrow, swell and produce extra mucus [1]. Asthma can make it difficult to breathe and can elicit coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath [1].


Common asthma triggers include allergens (mold, dust, pets, pollens), colds and viral infections, exercise, GERD, medications, foods (food intolerances, sulfites, food additives, dairy), emotional anxiety, air pollutants (tobacco smoke, wood smoke, chemicals, ozone), occupational exposures (vapors, dust, gases, fumes), and other strong odors (perfume, paint, cleaners) [2].


Common medications include:

  1. Steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (oral or inhaled) such as corticosteroids (i.e., prednisone, hydrocortisone, and fluticasone) and leukotriene inhibitors (i.e., montelukast and zafirlukast) [2].

  2. Bronchodilators (inhaled) that are short or long-acting beta-2 adrenergic receptor agonists (i.e., albuterol, levalbuterol, formoterol, salmerterol and indacaterol) [2].


If you take medication for asthma, talk to your healthcare provider or nutritionist about whether supplementation of select nutrients may be needed.


Below, are nutrients that can be deleted with the use of select asthma medications* [3].


Table of nutrient depletions

Consider the many ways to help prevent asthma attacks as detailed in our corresponding blogs:

OR

Reach out to Ross Nutrition Team for a personalized nutrition and supplement plan.



*At the time of writing this blog, no known nutrient depletions are known for bronchodilators or leukotriene inhibitors. This information was compiled based upon the nutrient depletions noted for prednisone and hydrocortisone.


Please speak with your healthcare provider or nutritionist for your personalized recommendations. Always take your medications as directed by your healthcare provider.

 

This blog has been adapted and modified by Kimberly King from original content created by Leanne (DiMaio) Skehan. Last Updated and Reviewed: June 27, 2024


References

1. Perez MF, Coutinho MT. An Overview of Health Disparities in Asthma. Yale J Biol Med. 2021;94(3):497-507. Published 2021 Sep 30.

2. Rakel, D. Integrative Medicine. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2023.

4. National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin D Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Published September 18, 2023. Accessed September 26, 2023. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminD-HealthProfessional/

5. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Magnesium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Published June 22, 2022. Accessed June 26, 2024. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/

6. National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Calcium Fact Sheet for Consumers. National Institute of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Published October 6, 2022. Accessed September 26, 2023. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/

7. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Potassium: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Published June 22, 2022. Accessed June 26, 2024. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Potassium-HealthProfessional/

Asthma Inhaler Image Credit: Insipiredimages from Pixabay.


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