Drug Nutrient Depletion Guide

Beta-Blockers: What It Depletes and How to Replenish

Beta-Blockers (Metoprolol, Atenolol, Carvedilol, Propranolol) is associated with clinically documented depletion of 2 key nutrients. Below you'll find the mechanism, clinical evidence, and evidence-based replenishment protocols for each.

This page is educational content based on published clinical trials. All supplement recommendations should be discussed with your prescribing physician before implementation. Evidence ratings follow the same RCT-first methodology used across the full Evidence Based Longevity database.
2 Documented Depletions · RCT Evidence
1
CoQ10
Critical Depletion Risk
How It Depletes

Beta-blockers inhibit CoQ10-dependent enzymes in the heart muscle. This is the primary mechanistic explanation for exercise intolerance and fatigue seen with beta-blocker therapy.

Clinical Evidence

Kishi et al. (1977) — first demonstration of CoQ10 enzyme inhibition by beta-blockers; Hamada et al. (1984)

Symptoms of Deficiency

Fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, worsening heart failure symptoms, cold extremities

Evidence-Based Replenishment

Ubiquinol 200–300mg daily with meals. Discuss with cardiologist — CoQ10 supplementation is well-documented in cardiac care.

View on Fullscript: Life Extension Super Ubiquinol CoQ10

Discuss with your physician before adjusting supplementation. This is educational content, not medical advice.

2
Melatonin
Moderate Depletion Risk
How It Depletes

Beta-blockers suppress nocturnal melatonin secretion by blocking beta-adrenergic stimulation of the pineal gland — the primary driver of melatonin synthesis.

Clinical Evidence

Brismar et al. (1988) — 50% reduction in nocturnal melatonin with metoprolol; confirmed in multiple subsequent studies

Symptoms of Deficiency

Insomnia, poor sleep quality, daytime fatigue, disrupted circadian rhythm

Evidence-Based Replenishment

Melatonin 0.5–3mg 30–60 minutes before bed. Use lowest effective dose — more is not better.

View on Fullscript: Life Extension Melatonin 300mcg

Discuss with your physician before adjusting supplementation. This is educational content, not medical advice.

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