Understanding Drug Interactions and Vitamin Depletion

Introduction

In today’s health-conscious world, understanding the interactions between drugs and vitamins is critical for maintaining optimal health. This guide explores the prevalence of Natural Health Products (NHPs), their interactions with pharmaceuticals, and how to navigate these complexities to support your wellness journey. Our passion for people, health, and well-being drives us to uphold the highest standards in clean formulations, evidence-based medicine, and personalized nutritional support.

 Why a Drug Interaction Guide?

Summary of Current State of NHP and Rx Usage in Canadian Households

1. Upwards of 71% of Canadians use Natural Health Products (NHPs).

2. Canadians widely use NHPs alongside pharmaceutical medications.

3. Consumer knowledge and confidence about NHPs continues to increase.

4. Reliable data collection on NHP usage combined with Rx usage is weak if not non-existent.

Who Buys and Uses NHPs, and How Much?

The Gold Standard survey, prepared for Health Canada by Ipsos Reid in 2011, provides insights into NHP usage:

• Prevalence of Use in Patients with Acute Cardiovascular Disease: The most commonly used NHP category includes:

• Vitamins and Minerals (73%)

• Herbal Products (20%)

• Traditional Medicines (9%)

• Homeopathic Preparations (1%)

• Amino Acids, Essential Fatty Acids, and Probiotics (35%)

Older age groups were associated with increased NHP use (1.5x increase per age decile). Pharmacists documented NHP use in 41% of patients, compared to 22% by physicians and 19% by nurses. The studies show that concurrent use of NHPs with drugs is very high, and consumers often persist in their use despite professional recommendations.

Trends in Drug Use 

Below is Health Canada’s data on drug sales growth:

• Canada accounts for 2.1% of pharmaceutical drug sales worldwide.

• Patented medicine sales reached $17.5 billion in 2020, with a 3% growth over the past five years.

(Source: PMPRB Annual Report, 2020)

The Current State of NHP and Pharmaceutical Use in Canada

• NHP Usage: Over 71% of Canadians use NHPs. These products, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal remedies, are often used alongside pharmaceutical medications.

• Consumer Trends: While confidence in NHPs is increasing, reliable data on their combined usage with pharmaceuticals is limited.

• Demographics: Older Canadians are more likely to use NHPs, and women use nutritional supplements more frequently than men, particularly in the 51-70 age group. Western Canada sees higher NHP usage compared to the East.

Key Findings

• Most Common NHPs: Multivitamins remain the most widely used, though their usage has declined slightly over the years. Vitamin D usage has significantly increased, especially among those aged 70 and older.

• Trends in Pharmaceuticals: Canada accounts for 2.1% of global pharmaceutical sales, with patented medicine sales reaching $17.5 billion in 2020. This reflects a steady growth in drug usage.

Chart: Top 10 Drug Classes by Public Drug Program Spending (2019)

Common Drug Classes and Their Interactions

Acid Inhibitors and Antibiotics 

Anticonvulsants 

Cardiovascular Medications 

Simple Supplement Tips

1.      Take Vitamin C to enhance iron absorption.

2.      Space probiotics and antibiotics by 4-6 hours for efficacy.

3.      Avoid taking fatty acids with fatty meals to optimize absorption.

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