Drug-nutrient interaction in clinical nutrition.

Drug-nutrient interactions have been recognized for decades. It is known that improper management of some of these interactions may lead to therapeutic failure or cause serious adverse effects to the patients. While most of the known drug-nutrient interactions involve changes in oral bioavailabilities and absorption of the offending compounds, recent investigations suggest that different mechanisms also exist. A mechanism-derived classification system for drug-nutrient interactions has only recently been developed. This system should facilitate the future research and development of practice guidelines in the identification and management of important interactions.