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Valsartan
Depletes
Prolonged use of Valsartan can impact 7 essential nutrients.
Zinc
Studies have shown that treatment with medications like Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) can lead to zincuria, which is increased urinary excretion of zinc. This increased excretion may potentially lead to zinc deficiency in some individuals and therefore supplementation should be considered.
Replace with Zinc (as zinc bisglycinate and (TRAACS™) (12.5 mg)
Research: Braun LA, Rosenfeldt F. Pharmaco-nutrient interactions - a systematic review of zinc and antihypertensive therapy. Int J...
Also Benefits From:
Grape Seed Extract
Grape Seed Extracts (GSE) are rich in polyphenols, specifically proanthocyanadins, that provide benefits to the cardiovascular system especially in area of inflammation, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Studies suggest that the consumption of GSE that is rich in proanthocyanadins, helps protect against myocardial injury, helps lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, decrease the size of carotid plaque and inhibiting dangerous platelet adhesions and aggregation thereby reducing cardiovascular mortality.
Research: Schön C, Allegrini P, Engelhart-Jentzsch K, Riva A, Petrangolini G. Grape Seed Extract Positively Modulates Blood Pressure...
Niacin
Niacin, a form of vitamin B3, offers a potential double benefit for heart health. It can help lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides, while also raising HDL ("good") cholesterol. This favorable cholesterol profile can reduce the risk of heart disease. But niacin's benefits might extend beyond cholesterol. Some studies suggest it may also play a role in lowering blood pressure. Niacin seems to work by causing blood vessels to relax and dilate, which could improve blood flow and potentially reduce strain on the heart, thereby lowering blood pressure.
Research: Digby JE, Ruparelia N, Choudhury RP. Niacin in cardiovascular disease: recent preclinical and clinical developments....
Taurine
Beyond its general health benefits, Taurine shines for its potential to support a healthy heart and blood pressure. This amino acid boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help protect against hypertension. Studies suggest it can modulate blood sugar levels, potentially reducing the risk of diabetes and its complications like heart disease. Taurine's overall impact on the cardiovascular system is promising, with some evidence indicating it may be essential for proper heart function and development.
Research: Ahmadian M, Dabidi Roshan V, Ashourpore E. Taurine Supplementation Improves Functional Capacity, Myocardial Oxygen...
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health by regulating homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid, and high levels in the blood are a risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Vitamin B12 acts as a key player in the homocysteine metabolism process, helping to convert it into other beneficial compounds. By keeping homocysteine in check, Vitamin B12 may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems.
Research: Celik SF, Celik E. Subclinical atherosclerosis and impaired cardiac autonomic control in pediatric patients with Vitamin B12...
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6, a crucial B vitamin, plays a significant role in heart health. It helps regulate homocysteine levels in the blood. High homocysteine is a risk factor for atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in arteries that can lead to heart disease. By keeping homocysteine in check, Vitamin B6 may help lower the risk of heart problems. Additionally, some research suggests Vitamin B6 may also play a role in managing hypertension (high blood pressure). While the exact mechanism isn't fully understood, Vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of hypertension.
Research: Stach K, Stach W, Augoff K. Vitamin B6 in Health and Disease. Nutrients. 2021 Sep 17;13(9):3229. Yuan S, Mason AM, Carter P,...
Vitamin C
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) goes beyond just immune system support. This powerful antioxidant combats free radicals and oxidative stress, potentially reducing the risk of various diseases. While most recognized for its role in white blood cell production, research suggests Vitamin C may also benefit heart health and blood pressure. It might help protect against damage caused by free radicals in blood vessels, potentially lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, studies indicate Vitamin C may play a role in lowering blood pressure
Research: Guan Y, Dai P, Wang H. Effects of vitamin C supplementation on essential hypertension: A systematic review and...
Health Impact
Valsartan-induced nutrient depletion can lead to a range of health problems
Age-Related Vision Loss
Low zinc status has been linked to a higher risk and faster progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), in part because zinc is concentrated in the retina and supports antioxidant defenses there. In the landmark AREDS trial, a supplement formula containing zinc (80 mg as zinc oxide), along with antioxidants, reduced the risk of progression to advanced AMD by about 25% in people with intermediate disease or advanced disease in one eye over roughly 5 years. Other research has shown that inadequate zinc intake is more common in older adults with AMD, reinforcing the idea that maintaining healthy zinc levels may be an important, and often overlooked, strategy for preserving macular health with age.
Research: Smailhodzic D, van Asten F, Blom AM, Mohlin FC, den Hollander AI, van de Ven JPH, et al. (2014) Zinc Supplementation...
Brain Fog & Neurological Effects
Zinc deficiency has been associated with a range of neurological and behavioral changes, including increased irritability, poor attention, and slowed cognitive processing. In children, low zinc status has been linked to poorer performance on tests of attention, memory, and school achievement, and some trials have found that zinc supplementation can modestly improve certain cognitive scores, especially in previously deficient populations. Clinically, even mild zinc deficiency may present with subtle symptoms such as mood changes, reduced stress tolerance, and “brain fog,” which can easily be overlooked but may improve when zinc status is corrected.
Research: de Moura JE, de Moura EN, Alves CX, Vale SH, Dantas MM, Silva Ade A, Almeida Md, Leite LD, Brandão-Neto J. Oral zinc...
Fertility & Hormone Problems
Closely linked to reproductive and hormonal problems in both men and women, zinc deficiency can contribute to hypogonadism, low testosterone, reduced sperm count, and menstrual irregularities. In men, low zinc status has been associated with decreased serum testosterone, reduced sperm density and motility, and poorer overall semen quality, while zinc repletion in deficient individuals has been shown to improve some of these parameters. In women, inadequate zinc intake is tied to more frequent cycle disturbances, dysmenorrhea, and potential impacts on ovulation and fertility, underscoring zinc’s important role in healthy hormonal balance and reproductive function.
Research: Zhao J, Dong X, Hu X, Long Z, Wang L, Liu Q, Sun B, Wang Q, Wu Q, Li L. Zinc levels in seminal plasma and their correlation...
Weakened Immune System
Zinc deficiency impairs immune defenses by reducing T‑cell activity and weakening resistance to infection. Low zinc levels increase susceptibility to recurrent infections, especially respiratory illnesses such as the common cold, bronchitis, and pneumonia. Clinical studies show that zinc supplementation can strengthen immune response and lower mortality when used alongside standard treatment for severe pneumonia. In a placebo‑controlled trial in elderly participants, zinc supplementation decreased the incidence of infections by 66% and improved cell‑mediated immunity.
Research: Shah UH, Abu-Shaheen AK, Malik MA, Alam S, Riaz M, Al-Tannir MA. The efficacy of zinc supplementation in young children with...
Growth & Development Delays
Zinc deficiency during childhood and adolescence is strongly linked to impaired linear growth and delayed sexual maturation, and is a recognized contributor to stunting in many low‑ and middle‑income countries. In some population studies, zinc deficiency has been present in over 30–40% of children, and zinc supplementation programs have been associated with modest but meaningful improvements in height gain over time. Clinically, even marginal zinc deficiency can quietly slow growth velocity and pubertal progression, making adequate zinc intake an important, often overlooked pillar of healthy growth and development.
Research: Abdollahi M, Ajami M, Abdollahi Z, Kalantari N, Houshiarrad A, Fozouni F, Fallahrokni A, Mazandarani FS. Zinc...
Skin Rashes & Hair Loss
Zinc deficiency often first shows up on the skin, with acrodermatitis‑like eruptions around the mouth, perineum, and distal extremities, accompanied by alopecia and sometimes nail changes. Characteristic lesions can be erythematous, scaly, or pustular, and both congenital and acquired zinc deficiency states have been reported to improve dramatically within days to weeks of adequate zinc repletion. Clinically, zinc is also crucial for normal collagen synthesis and immune function in the skin, so deficiency is linked to delayed wound healing and weaker scars, whereas restoring zinc status can enhance re‑epithelialization and reduce wound complications.
Research: Kelly S, Stelzer JW, Esplin N, Farooq A, Karasik O. Acquired Acrodermatitis Enteropathica: A Case Study. Cureus. 2017 Sep...
Diarrhea & Loss of Taste
In many patients, inadequate zinc status affects the gastrointestinal tract, contributing to chronic or recurrent diarrhea, anorexia, and characteristic changes in taste (hypogeusia) and smell (hyposmia) that further suppress intake. Clinical studies in children with acute and persistent diarrhea have shown that zinc supplementation shortens illness duration and reduces subsequent diarrheal episodes, underscoring how low zinc status both results from and perpetuates gut losses. The practical implication is that, when patients present with otherwise unexplained diarrhea, poor appetite, and altered taste or smell, especially in the setting of malabsorption, restrictive diets, or chronic illness, evaluating and correcting zinc deficiency can be an important step in breaking this cycle and restoring nutritional and gastrointestinal health.
Research: Mozaffar B, Ardavani A, Muzafar H, Idris I. The Effectiveness of Zinc Supplementation in Taste Disorder Treatment: A...
Side Effects
Common side effects of Valsartan, some of which may be related to nutrient depletion
Review
Some possible side effects of the hypertension drug Valsartan may include:
1. Dizziness or lightheadedness
2. Fatigue or weakness
3. Diarrhea
4. Headache
5. Nausea or vomiting
6. Back pain
7. Swelling in the hands, feet, or ankles
8. Increased blood potassium levels
In rare cases, Valsartan may also cause more serious side effects, such as:
1. Chest pain or tightness
2. Irregular heartbeat
3. Signs of kidney problems (e.g. decreased urination, swelling in the feet or ankles)
4. Signs of liver problems (e.g. yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine)
5. Severe allergic reactions (e.g. rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing)
It is important to consult with a healthcare provider if you experience any of these side effects while taking Valsartan.
1. Dizziness or lightheadedness
2. Fatigue or weakness
3. Diarrhea
4. Headache
5. Nausea or vomiting
6. Back pain
7. Swelling in the hands, feet, or ankles
8. Increased blood potassium levels
In rare cases, Valsartan may also cause more serious side effects, such as:
1. Chest pain or tightness
2. Irregular heartbeat
3. Signs of kidney problems (e.g. decreased urination, swelling in the feet or ankles)
4. Signs of liver problems (e.g. yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine)
5. Severe allergic reactions (e.g. rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing)
It is important to consult with a healthcare provider if you experience any of these side effects while taking Valsartan.
Get Support
We've developed a formula to replenish the nutrients depleted by Valsartan.
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Zinc Bisglycinate
by Pure Encapsulations
The Zinc supplement by Pure Encapsulations is a dietary supplement designed to support immune function and overall health, featuring highly bioavailable zinc in a hypoallergenic, vegetarian capsule.
Strength: 15 mg
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Zinc Bisglycinate
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