What Vitamin Does Amlodipine Deplete? A Deeper Look into Nutrient Interactions

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

While official drug information often reports no direct interaction with specific vitamins for amlodipine, certain integrative health sources suggest a potential impact on Vitamin D levels. The question, what vitamin does amlodipine deplete, is not straightforward, as the evidence is primarily observational and often relates to the broader class of calcium channel blockers.

Quick Summary

Amlodipine is not conclusively proven to deplete specific vitamins, but some sources suggest a potential impact on Vitamin D and essential minerals like magnesium and potassium. Coenzyme Q10 levels are also sometimes linked to calcium channel blocker use, though evidence varies.

Key Points

No Definitive Answer: No single vitamin is definitively proven to be depleted by amlodipine in official drug literature, though some sources suggest potential impacts on Vitamin D levels.
Potential for Vitamin D Impact: Some integrative health sources link calcium channel blockers like amlodipine to potential decreases in Vitamin D, given its role in calcium regulation, though evidence is mixed.
Consider Minerals and CoQ10: Beyond vitamins, amlodipine and other CCBs may impact minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium, as well as Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which is crucial for heart health.
Consult a Doctor Before Supplementing: Do not start any new supplements, including multivitamins with minerals, without first consulting your healthcare provider, as they can sometimes interfere with amlodipine's effectiveness.
Other Medications Have Different Effects: Amlodipine's potential effects differ from other blood pressure medications; for instance, diuretics are well-documented to deplete several minerals and B vitamins.
Professional Monitoring is Key: Long-term users of amlodipine should consider discussing nutritional concerns and potential blood testing with their physician to ensure adequate nutrient levels.

Understanding Amlodipine and Its Mechanism

Amlodipine is a widely prescribed medication belonging to the class of drugs known as calcium channel blockers (CCBs). It is used primarily to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) and certain types of chest pain (angina). By blocking the influx of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, amlodipine causes these blood vessels to relax and widen. This process lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow to the heart.

Because of its function related to calcium regulation, there has been interest in whether amlodipine and other CCBs affect the body's nutritional status, especially in long-term users. The body’s delicate balance of minerals and fat-soluble vitamins, including calcium and vitamin D, can sometimes be influenced by medications that alter calcium channels.

The Mixed Evidence Regarding Vitamin and Nutrient Depletion

When searching for specifics on what vitamin does amlodipine deplete, the results are often contradictory depending on the source. Official drug information resources, such as Drugs.com, frequently state that no specific interactions have been found between amlodipine and vitamins. However, this may only reflect clinically significant interactions requiring immediate management. Integrative medicine and nutritional resources often cite potential depletions based on a broader understanding of metabolic pathways and observational data.

Potential Impact on Vitamin D and Minerals

Several sources, including integrative medicine websites and clinical seminar materials, suggest a link between calcium channel blocker use and a potential decrease in Vitamin D levels. This is because Vitamin D is crucial for the regulation of calcium in the body, and medications that directly manipulate calcium channels could theoretically affect this balance. However, the evidence is not conclusive, with some studies showing mixed or negative associations. Furthermore, some sources point to potential depletions of essential minerals, which are intimately related to amlodipine's mechanism of action:

Calcium: As a calcium channel blocker, it’s no surprise that some evidence suggests potential effects on the body's calcium balance. This does not mean amlodipine causes a deficiency in all users, but it highlights the need for a comprehensive nutritional assessment, especially for those at risk for bone loss.
Magnesium and Potassium: These minerals are crucial for heart function and blood pressure regulation. Some integrative sources list magnesium and potassium among the nutrients potentially affected by amlodipine or the broader class of CCBs. This is important because magnesium also acts as a natural calcium channel blocker, and taking supplements alongside amlodipine requires careful monitoring by a doctor.

Amlodipine and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)

While CoQ10 is not a vitamin, it is a crucial antioxidant and plays a vital role in cellular energy production, particularly in the heart. Some studies and integrative practitioners suggest that calcium channel blockers may interfere with CoQ10 production or utilization. For individuals with cardiovascular disease, maintaining adequate CoQ10 levels is particularly important. Some research has shown that supplementing with CoQ10 alongside amlodipine may offer enhanced cardioprotective benefits and antioxidant effects.

How Does Amlodipine Compare to Other Blood Pressure Medications?

It's useful to compare the potential nutrient depletions of amlodipine with other common antihypertensive drugs to put the risk in perspective. This highlights that many medications can have nutritional side effects.


Nutrient(s)	Drug Class (Example)	Effect/Evidence Level	Details
Vitamin D, Calcium, CoQ10, Magnesium	Calcium Channel Blockers (Amlodipine)	Observational, Low/Mixed Evidence	Some integrative sources suggest potential depletion; official sources often state no interaction.
Potassium, Magnesium, Zinc, B1, B6, C	Thiazide Diuretics (Hydrochlorothiazide)	Strong Evidence	These medications increase the excretion of minerals and B vitamins via the kidneys.
Zinc, Potassium, Magnesium	ACE Inhibitors (Lisinopril)	Strong Evidence	Affects mineral excretion, with particular risk for zinc deficiency.
CoQ10, Melatonin	Beta-Blockers (Metoprolol)	Strong Evidence	Specifically interferes with CoQ10 production and melatonin synthesis.

Managing Potential Nutrient Depletions

For individuals on long-term amlodipine therapy, or any other medication, managing potential nutrient depletions is best done in consultation with a healthcare provider. Here are some steps you can take:

Discuss concerns with your doctor: Ask your doctor about the potential for drug-nutrient interactions based on your specific health profile. They can offer guidance based on the latest clinical evidence.
Consider blood tests: Your doctor can order blood tests to check levels of key nutrients like Vitamin D, magnesium, and potassium, especially if you have been on the medication long-term or are experiencing symptoms of deficiency.
Focus on a nutrient-rich diet: A balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, and vegetables can help provide essential vitamins and minerals. For instance, consuming calcium-rich foods (dairy, fortified plant milks) and magnesium-rich foods (leafy greens, nuts, seeds) is beneficial.
Explore supplementation: If deficiencies are confirmed, your doctor or a registered dietitian may recommend specific supplements. However, it's crucial to follow their advice, as some supplements can interact with amlodipine.

Conclusion

In summary, while there is no definitive scientific consensus on what vitamin does amlodipine deplete, some integrative health resources suggest a potential for depletion of Vitamin D and other vital nutrients like CoQ10 and magnesium. Official drug information may not list these as direct interactions, but the theoretical links based on the drug's mechanism of action warrant consideration, especially for long-term users. The best course of action is to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider about any concerns regarding drug-nutrient interactions. They can help you determine the most appropriate course of action, which may include monitoring nutrient levels or making dietary adjustments, while ensuring you continue to receive the full therapeutic benefits of your medication.

It is essential never to stop or alter your medication dosage without first consulting your doctor.

Visit the NIH website for more clinical research information on drug-nutrient interactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some integrative health sources suggest that calcium channel blockers, including amlodipine, may potentially affect magnesium levels. Magnesium is crucial for heart and muscle function, and supplementation should only be considered under a doctor's supervision due to potential interactions.

Yes, in most cases. However, since Vitamin D is involved in calcium regulation and some evidence suggests CCBs may impact Vitamin D levels, it's best to discuss supplementation with your doctor to ensure it is appropriate for you and does not interfere with your medication.

Yes, multivitamins with minerals can potentially decrease the effectiveness of amlodipine. It is important to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking both, as you may need to adjust your medication timing or be monitored more closely.

Some research indicates that calcium channel blockers may interfere with CoQ10 production, a vital nutrient for heart function. If you have been on amlodipine long-term, it may be beneficial to discuss CoQ10 levels and supplementation with your doctor.

Signs of nutrient depletion vary depending on the nutrient but can include fatigue, muscle weakness or cramps, irregular heartbeat, changes in appetite, or digestive issues. If you experience these symptoms, you should consult your doctor to determine the cause.

No, but it is a known risk with many different classes of drugs. For example, thiazide diuretics are known to deplete potassium and magnesium, while ACE inhibitors can affect zinc levels. The specific risk depends on the drug's mechanism.

A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can help maintain overall health and mitigate some risks. However, diet alone may not be enough to counter a drug's effect on nutrient levels. Always work with your doctor or a registered dietitian for personalized advice.