Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook, 2nd Edition. - book review

Alternative Medicine Review, April, 2002 by Julie S. Jurenka

Ross Pelton, RPh, James B. Valle, RPh, Ernest B. Hawkins, RPh, Daniel L. Krinsky, RPh Lexi-Comp, Inc., 1100 Terex Road, Hudson, OH 44236; 800-837-5394; www.lexi.com ISBN 1-930598-15-9; soft-cover; 591 pages; $29.95

Many of the top 100 drugs prescribed in the United States have been shown to deplete a variety of nutrients. For instance, did you know that the HMG-Co A reductase inhibitors Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol, and Zocor, as well as the beta blockers, Toprol, and Lopressor, all deplete coenzyme Q10, a nutrient essential to ATP production in cellular mitochondria? It has also been demonstrated that both oral and inhaled corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone, Prednisone, Azmacort, Flonase, and Serevent, deplete several important minerals, folic acid, and vitamins C and D. The popularly prescribed histamine agonists Pepcid, Tagamet, and Zantac can deplete folic acid, B vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamin D. The second edition of Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook includes detailed information on these drugs and nearly 1,000 more, and is a valuable reference guide addressing drug-induced nutrient depletion in humans. It expands on the information found in the first edition and the authors' intent is to provide health professionals and the lay public access to the large body of credible scientific research pertaining to drug-induced nutrient deficiencies.

The book is divided into four main sections, in addition to the introduction, appendix, and alphabetical index. The first section is an alphabetical listing of drug monographs by brand and generic name, providing synonyms, pharmacological class, nutrients depleted by the drug, the scientific basis for this information, and a reference to the corresponding nutrient monograph. The second section is a cross reference to the first, alphabetically listing nutrients and the drugs that deplete them, along with a reference number for the abstracts/studies section of the book. The nutrient monograph section is perhaps the most informative, as it provides an alphabetically arranged overview of the nutrients, their biological functions and effects, as well as side effects and toxicity. The monographs also describe the physiological effects of depletion, suggested daily dosage, and dietary sources of the nutrient. The "Studies and Abstracts" section provides brief summaries of the citations and abstracts of over 500 scientific studies corresponding to the drug monographs.

The handbook concludes with three appendices: Herb/Nutrient Depletions, Nutrient Depletion and Cancer Chemotherapy, and Food-Drug Interactions. The concise format and easy readability of this text make it a valuable tool for any clinician's or pharmacist's reference library. The authors of this publication, are registered pharmacists.