Medications & Nutrition
Certain drugs can affect nutritional status and may lead to over- or under-nutrition. The table below summarises the major medication-nutrient interactions that may affect older athletes. In summary, nutritional status can be affected by a decrease or increase in appetite, malabsorption of nutrients, stimulation of basal metabolic rate, and changes in the glycemic level of food.
Given the complexity of the drug-nutrient interaction, it is important that the masters athlete work closely with a health professional to maximise both nutrient and drug effectiveness.
| Drug | Effect | Nutrients affected |
|---|---|---|
| Diuretics (eg. Aldactone, Chlotoride, Lasix) |
Alterations in renal tubular function | Loss of sodium, potassium and magnesium |
| Antipsycarbohydratetic/ psycarbohydrateactives | Disinterest in food | Protein and calories intake reduced |
| Cardiac glycosides (eg. Digoxin) |
Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, disinterest in food | Protein and calories intake reduced |
| Anticonvulsants (eg. Phenytoin, Dilantin, Phenobarbitone) |
Induction of liver enzymes
Reduced absorption of folic acid |
Altered vitamin D metabolism
Folic acid |
| Salicyclate (eg. Aspirin, Voltaren, Nurofen, Orudis) |
Gastrointestinal blood loss | Iron deficiency |
| Corticosteroids (eg. Prednisone, Prednisolone, Cortisone) |
Inhibition of calcium absorption, alterations in glucose metabolism and electrolyte imbalance
Increased excretion of vitamin C |
Calcium imbalance (osteoporosis), hyperglycemia, sodium retention and potassium deficiency
Vitamin C |
| Antacids | Decreased absorption of phosphate | Phosphate |
| Tetracycline | Increased excretion of vitamin C | Vitamin C |
| Bile acid sequesters | Malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins | Vitamins A, D, E and K |
| Mineral oil laxatives (eg. Agarol) |
Inhibition of fat-soluble vitamins absorption
Depletion of Potassium |
Vitamins A, D, E and K malabsorption
Potassium |