Medicines are meant to heal, but what many people don’t realize is that long-term use of some common drugs can quietly drain the body of essential nutrients. Over time, this can lead to fatigue, weakened immunity, poor bone health, and other complications that are often mistaken for unrelated health problems.Dr. Garima Goyal, Dietitian and Nutritionist, explains that medications like aspirin, birth control pills, antacids, and even antibiotics can interfere with how the body absorbs or uses vitamins and minerals.Here’s a closer look at which nutrients are most affected by some of the medications people commonly rely on.
Aspirin: Vitamin C and Iron

Aspirin may hinder vitamin C absorption by disrupting its binding to albumin and cellular uptake mechanisms. It also causes minor mucosal damage that increases antioxidant demand, potentially depleting vitamin C levels. Further, a large study (ASPREE trial) found that daily low-dose aspirin (around 100 mg) increased the risk of anemia in adults aged 65 and older by about 20%. This effect appears independent of major gastrointestinal bleeding—suggesting aspirin may also affect iron stores like ferritin.
Tylenol (Acetaminophen) : Glutathione
Glutathione is the body’s “master antioxidant,” protecting cells from damage. Low levels are linked to aging, diabetes, neurological issues, cancer, and higher infection risk (including COVID-19). Acetaminophen use can lower glutathione, which may make the liver more vulnerable to damage.
Birth Control Pills : B Vitamins, Vitamin C, Zinc, Magnesium

Studies and reviews indicate that OCs can reduce levels of multiple vitamins and minerals, including folic acid (folate), B₂, B₆, B₁₂, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, and zinc. The World Health Organization considers this clinically relevant, recommending supplementation as a preventive measure.The exact reason for these deficiencies isn’t fully understood, but the estrogen and progesterone in OCs likely affect how the body processes nutrients.
Metformin : Vitamin B12
Metformin, widely used for type 2 diabetes, can reduce vitamin B12 absorption in the intestines. Long-term use increases the risk of B12 deficiency, which may worsen nerve damage (neuropathy). This happens because metformin interferes with the way vitamin B12 binds and is absorbed in the small intestine.
Antacids : Vitamin B12, Calcium, Potassium, Zinc
Antacids, especially proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers, reduce stomach acid. But stomach acid is needed to release vitamin B12 from food. According to Harvard Health, long-term use may also affect calcium, potassium, and zinc levels, leading to broader nutrient imbalances.
Statins : CoQ10
Statins lower cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. However, they can also lower Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a compound needed for energy production in muscle cells. Low CoQ10 levels may cause muscle aches, weakness, or inflammation, which are common side effects of statins.

Antibiotics : Good gut bacteria
Antibiotics kill harmful bacteria, but they also wipe out beneficial gut bacteria. This imbalance, known as gut dysbiosis, lowers microbial diversity and may promote antibiotic-resistant strains. Long-term consequences can include obesity, allergies, asthma, and changes in metabolism.
Steroids : Vitamin D, Calcium, Magnesium, B Vitamins, Potassium

Steroids are known to affect the body’s nutrient balance in several connected ways. They first interfere with calcium absorption and increase its loss, which, combined with reduced vitamin D activity, weakens bones and raises the risk of osteoporosis. As this cycle continues, magnesium levels also drop because steroids promote urinary excretion, further impacting bone and muscle health. Potassium depletion follows due to fluid and electrolyte shifts, leading to weakness or cramps. Finally, steroids can disrupt how the body uses B vitamins, reducing energy and nerve function.