Does Lexapro deplete vitamins? (+3 tips)

In this article, we will discuss whether or not Lexapro depletes vitamins, the potential effects of Lexapro on particular vitamins, what the research suggests, what are the factors contributing to vitamin depletion, and how to manage vitamin levels while taking Lexapro.

Does Lexapro deplete vitamins?

Yes, Lexapro can reduce vitamin levels. Escitalopram, an antidepressant that is used to treat depression and anxiety, is sold under the trade name Lexapro. It is a member of the SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) class of medications. (1)

SSRIs have a significant impact on your nutritional reserves and can eventually make you feel worse. Calcium, vitamin D, and folate deficiencies are common among Lexapro users.

Cell lines of osteoclast, osteoblast, and osteocyte contain serotonin (5-HT) receptors. SSRIs activate 5-HT receptors located on osteoblasts and osteoclasts through endocrine and neural pathways.

According to clinical data, SSRIs such as Lexapro appear to have a detrimental effect on bone at the therapeutic dose levels frequently utilized for the treatment of depression. (2)

Consult your physician or other healthcare provider right away if any side effects, such as bone pain, fatigue, or muscle pain, manifest.

What does research suggest?

According to research studies, SSRIs such as Lexapro and Zoloft have been linked to an increased risk of bone loss and osteoporosis due to vitamin D and calcium deficiency, and there is evidence that these medications raise the risk of fracture in a duration and dose-dependent manner. (3)

To ascertain if SSRIs enhance fracture risk or not, thirteen studies were carried out, In the three trials that took into account bone mineral density, and the four trials that took depression into account, an elevated fracture risk related to SSRI use was noted. In the two cohort studies of women, SSRI usage was not linked to bone loss.

The study came to the conclusion that using SSRIs increases the risk of fracture. Emphasizing that SSRIs may raise the risk of fracture regardless of bone density or depression. (4)

What factors can contribute to vitamin depletion while on Lexapro?

There are several factors that can contribute to vitamin depletion such as:

• Inadequate food consumption: One of the main causes of vitamin depletion can be eating food that is lacking in certain essential nutrients.
• Insufficient nutrient absorption: Vitamin depletion may be caused by malabsorption of nutrients as a result of underlying medical conditions, such as damage to the intestine wall from inflammation, injury, infection, or surgery.
• Underlying medical condition: Vitamin depletion has been linked to a number of serious illnesses such as goitre, cancer, acute respiratory infections, rickets, mental retardation and decreased cognitive function. (5)
• Age: The skin’s capacity to produce vitamins such as vitamin D decreases as you age. (6)

How to manage vitamin levels while taking Lexapro?

Lexapro depletes vitamin D, calcium, and folate, which can be replenished through pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods:

• Vitamin D: Natural vitamin D sources such as sun exposure on your bare skin during the early hours of the day and eating a diet rich in fish liver oils like salmon as well as over-the-counter vitamin D supplements can help restore vitamin D levels in your body.

• Calcium: This mineral can be obtained from both pharmaceutical calcium supplements and non-pharmacological calcium sources like a diet high in dairy products such as milk, yoghurt, and cheese. Seeds, sardines, and green leafy vegetables such as kale are also rich in calcium.

• Folate: A diet high in eggs, leafy green vegetables, legumes, citrus, asparagus, and beetroot is a good source of dietary folate as well as OTC folate supplements that are found in pharmacies. (7)

You must regularly check your vitamin levels and work with your doctor to adjust your supplementation as needed.

Conclusion

Lexapro can lead to vitamin D, calcium, and folate depletion as a side effect of its use. You can manage your vitamin depletion by routinely checking your vitamin levels with your physician and taking vitamin supplements while taking Lexapro.

References