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Excedrin Tension Headache
Depletes
Prolonged use of Excedrin Tension Headache can impact 8 essential nutrients.
Folic Acid
Regular aspirin use, even at therapeutic doses, can lead to lower-than-normal levels of folate in the blood (serum folate). Additionally, aspirin might slightly increase the amount of folate excreted in urine, potentially disrupting the body's folate balance. For those taking regular aspirin therapy, folic acid supplementation should be considered to prevent a deficiency.
Replace with Folate (.2mg as L-5-Methylfolate) (0.34 DFE)
Research: Lawrence VA, Loewenstein JE, Eichner ER. Aspirin and folate binding: in vivo and in vitro studies of serum binding and...
Vitamin C
Research suggests that taking Vitamin C alongside Acetaminophen might prolong the medication's presence in the bloodstream. This could potentially allow for lower Acetaminophen doses, thereby reducing the risk of side effects.
Replace with Vitamin C Ascorbic Acid (200 mg)
Research: Matić MM, Paunović MG, Milošević MD, Ognjanović BI, Saičić ZS. Hematoprotective effects and antioxidant properties of...
Zinc
Studies indicate that medications like aspirin can increase zinc loss through urine. Zinc plays a vital role in wound healing, protein synthesis, cell reproduction, immunity, and vision. If you take aspirin regularly, consider monitoring zinc levels and supplementation may be beneficial to prevent a deficiency.
Replace with Zinc Bisglycinate (12.5 mg)
Research: Vitamin B6 (50% Pyridoxine HCL, 50% P-5-P)
Niacinamide
Acetaminophen, a common pain reliever and fever reducer, is generally safe at recommended doses. However, overdosing can lead to severe oxidative stress, a cellular imbalance that damages the liver and can cause acute liver failure. Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3, has been shown to be effective in mitigating many conditions caused by oxidative stress. Recent research specifically investigated its ability to protect the liver from acetaminophen damage. The study found that niacinamide offered both preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (therapeutic) benefits.
Replace with Niacinamide (100 mg)
Research: Mahmoud YI, Mahmoud AA. Role of nicotinamide (vitamin B3) in acetaminophen-induced changes in rat liver: Nicotinamide effect...
NAC
Studies suggest that acetaminophen may cause liver damage in high doses or with certain risk factors. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been shown to offer protective benefits for the liver against the potential toxic effects of acetaminophen.
Replace with N-Acetylcysteine (200 mg)
Research: Hendrickson RG. What is the most appropriate dose of N-acetylcysteine after massive acetaminophen overdose? Clin Toxicol...
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) contains a group of complex flavonoids called silymarin. This natural compound has been shown to increase glutathione levels in the liver. Acetaminophen, a widely used pain reliever and fever reducer, can be harmful to the liver in high doses or for people with certain risk factors. Research suggests that silymarin may help elevate glutathione levels within the liver. Glutathione is an important antioxidant that the body uses to combat damage, and its depletion is believed to play a role in how acetaminophen harms the liver.
Replace with Milk Thistle  (Silybum marianum) (seed) Standardized 80% Silymarin Flavonoids) (200 mg)
Research: Abdilkerim Oyman, et al. Protective Effects of Silymarin on Acetaminophen-Induced Toxic Hepatitis. EJMA 2022;2(1):1–6. Noor...
Vitamin B12
Research found that individuals hospitalized with heart disease and a history of aspirin use were nearly twice as likely to have low or borderline vitamin B12 levels compared to non-aspirin users. While this doesn't definitively prove aspirin causes B12 deficiency, it raises a potential link. Aspirin can irritate the stomach lining in some individuals. This is concerning because the stomach plays a crucial role in vitamin B12 absorption by producing hydrochloric acid and intrinsic factor. Both are essential for proper B12 uptake.
Replace with Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin (0.2 mg)
Research: van Oijen MG, Laheij RJ, Peters WH, Jansen JB, Verheugt FW; BACH study. Association of aspirin use with vitamin B12...
Also Benefits From:
Omega 3
Omega-3 fatty acids offer promise for managing pain associated with osteoarthritis (OA). Research suggests they may work by reducing inflammation, a key contributor to OA pain and stiffness. Studies involving over 2000 patients with OA showed that omega-3 supplementation significantly lessened joint pain compared to a placebo. This improvement was accompanied by increased joint function, suggesting omega-3s might help people with OA move more easily and comfortably.
Research: Kuszewski JC, Wong RHX, Howe PRC. Fish oil supplementation reduces osteoarthritis-specific pain in older adults with...
Health Impact
Excedrin Tension Headache-induced nutrient depletion can lead to a range of health problems
High Homocysteine & Vascular Risk
Meta-analyses of randomized trials show that folic acid supplementation lowers homocysteine and modestly reduces stroke and overall cardiovascular disease risk in some populations, especially where baseline folate status is low, highlighting the adverse vascular profile of folate deficiency.
Research: Li Y et al. Folic acid supplementation and the risk of cardiovascular diseases: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled...
Folate-Related Megaloblastic Anemia
Hematology and nutrition reviews describe folate deficiency as a classic cause of megaloblastic anemia and mucosal abnormalities, frequently exacerbated by medications that antagonize folate metabolism.
Research: O’Leary F, Samman S. Vitamin B12 in health and disease. Nutrients. 2010;2(3):299-316. (discussion of folate and B12 in...
Scurvy & Fragile Blood Vessels
Modern case reports and re-analyses of classic scurvy trials show that vitamin C deficiency causes defective collagen and capillary integrity, with slow recovery of scar strength even after repletion if deficiency is prolonged.
Research: Gandhi M et al. Scurvy: rediscovering a forgotten disease. Clin Case Rep. 2023;11(6):e10296835.; Hujoel PP, Hujoel MLA....
Delayed Wound Healing & Fatigue
Systematic reviews report improved healing of chronic wounds with vitamin C supplementation in deficient or high-need states, supporting the clinical impact of inadequate ascorbate on tissue repair.
Research: Bechara N et al. The role of vitamin C in tissue repair and wound healing: a systematic review. Int Wound J....
Weakened Immune Response
Classic dermatology and immunology literature shows that zinc deficiency causes lymphopenia and reduced immune capacity; more recent work links marginal deficiency to impaired inflammatory and anti-microbial responses.
Research: Fraker PJ et al. The dynamic link between the integrity of the immune system and zinc status. JAMA Dermatol....
Slow Skin & Wound Healing
Experimental and clinical studies demonstrate that zinc deficiency is associated with skin lesions, delayed wound closure and abnormal inflammatory responses, while zinc repletion can improve healing outcomes in selected populations.
Research: Lin PH, Sermersheim M et al. Zinc in wound healing modulation. Nutrients. 2017;9(1):16.; News-Medical. The role of zinc in...
Weaker Skin Barrier & Hydration
Clinical trials show that topical and oral nicotinamide can improve stratum corneum barrier function, hydration, acne and atopic dermatitis severity, as well as reduce rates of nonmelanoma skin cancer in high-risk patients, suggesting that insufficient NAD+ support may leave skin more vulnerable.
Research: Draelos ZD et al. Niacinamide-containing facial moisturizer improves skin barrier and hydration. Cutis. 2005;76(2):135-141.;...
Side Effects
Common side effects of Excedrin Tension Headache, some of which may be related to nutrient depletion
Review
Some common side effects of Excedrin Tension Headache, an analgesic drug, may include:

1. Upset stomach
2. Nausea
3. Vomiting
4. Dizziness
5. Drowsiness
6. Headache
7. Dry mouth
8. Constipation
9. Nervousness or anxiety

It is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for you. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects while taking Excedrin Tension Headache, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Get Support
We've developed a formula to replenish the nutrients depleted by Excedrin Tension Headache.
Excedrin Tension Headache Support Formula

Aspirin Support

Once Daily Capsule

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