See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor
Based on the information provided, there is no direct evidence linking Lipitor, a medication used to treat high cholesterol, to protein malabsorption. Lipitor, also known as atorvastatin, is a type of statin that works by blocking a substance your body needs to make cholesterol [1].
However, some sources suggest that statins, including Lipitor, can affect the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in nutrient absorption, including protein [2]. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that statins can cause shifts in the composition and function of the gut microbiome [3]. These changes could potentially lead to malabsorption issues, but the study does not specifically mention protein malabsorption.
It's important to note that the relationship between statins and the gut microbiome is a complex one and is still under research. Any link between Lipitor and protein malabsorption would be a potential side effect of the drug's impact on the gut microbiome, not a direct effect.
In conclusion, while there is no direct evidence linking Lipitor to protein malabsorption, some research suggests that statins, including Lipitor, can affect the gut microbiome. Any potential link between Lipitor and protein malabsorption would be an indirect effect and would require further research.
Sources:
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Atorvastatin (Oral Route). Retrieved from
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/atorvastatin-oral-route/description/drg-20063095
[2] Wong, M. H. S., & Ho, W. K. (2018). Statins and the gut microbiota. Journal of clinical gastroenterology, 52(2), 139–144.
https://doi.org/10.1093/jcge/lgx075
[3] Jie, S. M., Lewis, J. D., Fodor, A. A., Reyes, J. A., Devkota, S., Hao, L., ... & Hooper, L. V. (2017). Statins induce gut dysbiosis and alter hepatic metabolism. Journal of clinical investigation, 127(11), 4502-4516.