New research indicates more evidence is needed on drug nutrient interactions

While prescription medications work well in short term to achieve therapeutic goals, there is an emerging body of evidence suggesting that they change the host in ways that are unpredictable and sometimes unsustainable.  Zinc and antihypertensive therapies  A 2012 systematic review showing that antihypertensive therapies may cause zinc depletion[1] demonstrates that there are unintended consequences of long term treatment with unexplored risks, according to Blackmores Institute Contributing Medical Editor Dr Mark Donohoe.   “Antihypertensive therapies reduce blood pressure and achieve short-term safety. The longer term impact of unexpected effects of the drugs are not seen sometimes for decades - zinc deficiency affecting risk for degenerative disease and antioxidant protection, both important but with limited acknowledgement until reviews like this come along,” Dr Donohoe said.