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Nutrient Levels May Be Reduced for 135 Million Americans Taking Prescription Medications

Posted on: Tuesday, 4 December 2007, 09:00 CST

NORTHRIDGE, Calif., Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- More than half of all Americans take prescription drugs, and most are unaware that they could have reduced levels of certain nutrients as a result. Science has shown that key nutrients, such as CoQ10, vitamin D, folic acid and vitamin B12, are often found to be at low levels in people who use many prescription drugs, such as medications for high cholesterol, heartburn/acid reflux, depression, arthritis and diabetes.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071204/LATU048)

Reduced levels of certain nutrients may have an effect on heart health, bone health, energy levels and muscle discomfort. To address these health concerns, Nature Made developed Rx Essentials, a new dietary supplement line that helps meet the nutritional needs of people taking common prescription medications. It should be noted that prescription drugs are important to health and will function without these products; Rx Essentials are not intended to replace prescription drugs.

"There is a growing body of scientific research showing that a number of prescription medications can reduce certain key nutrients in the body," said Alan Agins, Ph.D., President of PRN Associates, Ltd. "In addition to a balanced diet and regular exercise, people should be attuned to their nutritional status when taking prescription medications and use dietary supplements to ensure adequate nutrient levels."

Rx Essentials help boost key nutrient levels and are designed to complement the specific nutritional needs associated with an individual's medication. Nature Made is committed to maximizing people's health by offering dietary supplements, expert advice, information and resources that promote healthy lifestyles.

Scientific Studies:

A number of scientific studies address the relationship between certain medications and low levels of nutrients:

-- Several studies, including one published in the American Journal of Cardiology, have shown that people taking statin cholesterol-reducing drugs (such as Lipitor(R), Zocor(R), Pravachol(R)) have lower blood levels of CoQ10, an antioxidant and an important nutrient for heart health.(1) -- Numerous clinical studies link a common class of acid reflux medications that includes Nexium(R), Prevacid(R), and Prilosec(R) with a decreased absorption of the nutrients calcium and vitamin B12 that are important for maintaining bone health.(2) -- Several studies indicate that some people suffering from depression may have lower blood levels of certain B vitamins and vitamin D.(3),(4) -- Some studies review the relationship between low levels of certain key nutrients and people who take certain anti-inflammatory medications.(5) -- Some research shows that people who take diabetes medications (such as Metformin(R), Glucophage(R), Glucovance(R)) may have lower levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid, key nutrients which support heart health.(6) Rx Essentials:

This innovative line of dietary supplements is available now and can be found in most food, drug and mass merchandise stores nationwide.

-- Rx Essentials for People taking Cholesterol Medication -- Rx Essentials for People taking Heartburn and Acid Reflux Medication -- Rx Essentials for People taking Antidepressants Medication -- Rx Essentials for People taking Arthritis Medication -- Rx Essentials for People taking Diabetes Medication ABOUT PHARMAVITE

For more than 30 years, Pharmavite has earned and maintained the trust of pharmacists, consumers and retailers by manufacturing high-quality vitamins, minerals, herbs and other dietary supplements that are safe, effective and science-based. As an industry leader, Pharmavite adheres to manufacturing standards recommended by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), a not-for-profit organization that has set pharmaceutical and dietary supplement quality standards since 1820. In addition, Pharmavite participates in USP's Verification Program for dietary supplements. The dietary supplement industry is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission, as well as by government agencies in each of the 50 states.

Note to editors: Research abstracts, product artwork and samples are available upon request.

(1)American Journal of Cardiology, Effect of Atorvastatin on Left Ventricular Function and Ability of Coenzyme Q10 to Reverse That Dysfunction, 2004 (2)Journal of the American Medical Association, Long-Term Proton Pump Inhibitor Therapy And Risk Of Hip Fracture, 2006 (3)Papakostas GI, et al. The relationship between serum folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine levels in major depressive disorder and the timing of improvement with fluoxetine (Prozac).Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2005 Dec;8(4):523-8. Epub 2005 May 9. (4)Wilkins, C Vitamin D Deficiency Is Associated With Low Mood and Worse Cognitive Performance in Older Adults Am J Geriatr Psychiatry, Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 14:1032-1040, December 2006 (5)National Institute of Health Study, Trial of Vitamin D to Reduce the Progression of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Once Daily Dosing Regimen, 2007; Harvard Medical School Report, What to do About Pain, 2006 (6)Journal of Intern Med. 2003 Nov;254(5):455-63, Wulffele MG, et al, Effects of short-term treatment with metformin on serum concentrations of homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial *Manufacturer's suggested retail price

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071204/LATU048AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN8PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Pharmavite

CONTACT: Amanda Gardner or Kat Kirsch, 1-877-RXE-BUZZ,RXE@carryonpr.com, both of RX Essentials News Bureau

Web site:

Source: PRNewswire

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