We’ve said it before—and we’ll say it again: if your pharmacy doesn’t have a drug-induced nutrient depletion program in place, you’re missing a huge opportunity.
We get it. Starting something new—especially when you’re already busy—can feel overwhelming. You might be asking: Why should I add this? Does it really bring value? Where do I even start?
Let’s break it down to help take the fear out of getting started.
Why Should I Do This?
At the heart of every successful nutrient depletion program is one thing: better patient care. Most physicians and even many pharmacies aren’t counseling patients on how their medications may be depleting essential nutrients. That gap is your opportunity to stand out, build trust, and improve patient outcomes.
And don’t worry—this doesn’t mean you or your team need to become nutrient depletion experts overnight. Start small. Take just one hour a month to go over a few key depletions and role-play simple ways to introduce the topic with patients. Over time, your team’s knowledge and confidence will grow—and so will your impact.
Feeling hesitant about “upselling”? That’s normal. But here’s the thing: this isn’t about pushing products. It’s about making medical recommendations that support your patients’ health, helping them feel better and stay healthier in the long run. When that’s your mindset, the conversations become much easier—and much more genuine.
Does It Really Add Value?
Absolutely. Just ask pharmacist Jeff Robins, who turned his nutrient depletion program into a six-figure monthly supplement business. Will your numbers look exactly like his? Maybe not—but even modest success in this area can add meaningful value to your pharmacy.
There are also great tools available to make this easier and more effective:
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Ortho Molecular Products offers a supplement recommendation model that works seamlessly with our NutriButler point-of-sale interface. When you scan a prescription, detailed Ortho Molecular recommendations appear on your register screen. If you carry at least 10 of their products, the integration is completely free.
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Prefer a wider variety of supplements and price points? TRC Healthcare’s Natural Medicines Database (NMD) is another excellent resource. With its integration into NutriButler, you’ll get generic nutrient depletion alerts at checkout, helping you tailor recommendations based on your patients’ preferences and budget. There’s a subscription fee for NMD, but it’s easily recouped with even a small uptick in supplement sales—and many pharmacies already have access through existing memberships.
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If you're looking for something more personalized, our NutriButler integration with Designs for Health® may be your solution. Your local Designs for Health® Functional Medicine Consultant will partner with you to design a personalized program tailored to your unique goals and readiness—supporting you every step of the way as you grow your business into a thriving community wellness hub.
As your team gets more comfortable making recommendations, your profits grow—and so does your patient base. Satisfied patients spread the word, and before you know it, your program becomes a key part of your pharmacy’s reputation and revenue stream.
Where Do I Even Start?
Starting a nutrient depletion program is easier than you think.
Begin with your most commonly dispensed medications. For many pharmacies, that includes:
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Metformin
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Statins
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Beta-blockers
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Antibiotics
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SSRIs
Start by focusing on just two nutrients:
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CoQ10, often depleted by Metformin, statins, and beta-blockers
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Vitamin B12, often depleted by antibiotics and SSRIs
If you already carry these supplements, you can start today. Place a display near the checkout area to increase visibility—this alone can increase sales by nearly 20%. That’s a simple, low-lift way to get your program off the ground.
NutriButler also lets you print a nutrient depletion summary on your patient’s receipt, giving them time to consider the recommendation without pressure. A quick 30- to 60-second conversation during checkout is all it takes. Focus on educating—not selling—and the sales will follow naturally.
Start Small, Grow Smart
By starting small and expanding as your team gets more comfortable, you’ll avoid overwhelm and set your program up for long-term success. The impact on your patients—and your bottom line—can be significant. And the investment to get started? Minimal.
This is your chance to build stronger relationships, offer better care, and bring in more revenue without overhauling your operations. So, what are you waiting for?
👇 Already running a nutrient depletion program? Drop your success story in the comments!
🔍 Want to learn more about getting started with NutriButler? Click here
