Interactions Between Drugs and Nutrients

Abstract

Certain clinical conditions, where prolonged medication is prescribed, can accentuate such potential interactions. There is, however, no reason to believe that genetically engineered foods differ significantly from natural foodstuffs with regard to drug-nutrient interactions. Perhaps the impact of plant genetic engineering on foods and nutrition is too embryonic to accurately forecast. Plant genetic engineering can improve agronomic and quality traits such as nutritional value, yet virtually nothing is known about potential nutrient-drug interactions. Increasing attention has focused on nutrient-drug interaction due perhaps to drugs becoming more and more potent and having greater specificity. Drugs and nutrients share a host of characteristics including physico-chemical properties that may affect certain biochemical actions and other dose-related toxicities. Frequently, the mechanism of action of a drug may involve a nutrient(s) in a manner comparable to a nonnutrient component(s). Food-induced changes in the bioavailability of some drugs may partially depend on hepatic biotransformation as evidenced by absorbed nutrients competing with drugs for first-pass metabolism in the intestine or in the liver. Altered drug metabolism has been studied extensively among different populations. Among the many conditions to which the human organism must adapt is the nutritional environment. Genetic variation can impact certain nutritional states. Undoubtedly, nutritional status plays a significant role in a drug's pharmacologic response.