These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. 17 Wilson SM, Bivins BN, Russell KA, Bailey LB.Oral contraceptive use: impact on folate, vitamin B(6), and vitamin B(1)(2) status. 11 Sanpitak N, Chayutimonkul L. Oral contraceptives and riboflavine nutrition. 26 Briggs M. Letter: vitamin E status and oral contraceptives. ANSWER: Well, this week, I want to shine the light on a little-known side effect of a prescription medication used by more than 10 million women in the U.S. Many People Have Missed the Point. The effect of oral contraceptives on vitamin B12 metabolism. We see a, ​​What time of day to you take your LivOn shot, As part of our 2021 sponsorship of the Foundation, Did you take your vitamins today?⁠ Write on Medium. 33 Akinloye O, Adebayo TO, Oguuntibeju OO, Oparinde DP, Ogunyemi EO. 18 Sutterlin MW, Bussen SS, Rieger L, Dietl J, Steck T. Serum folate and Vitamin B12 levels in women using modern oral contraceptives (OC) containing 20 microg ethinyl estradiol. Doctors prescribe … Boca Raton, Florida. The latex male condom provides the best protection from most STDs. Marginal zinc deficiency is rather common in the United States. Also, when supplementing to correct an oral contraceptive-induced vitamin depletion, you may be tempted to take large doses. Per several studies, oral contraceptives also interfere with selenium absorption.1, 30, 31, Estradiol, Estradiol combinations, Ethinyl Estradiol, Ethinyl Estradiol combinations, Estrogens (conjugated), Estrogen combinations. Sign up for our newsletter to keep learning how vitamins actually help your body. 20 Shojania AM, Wylie B. Since you can only absorb relatively small amounts at once, you may be losing much of the content on the label by taking large doses of traditional oral supplements. Though researchers don’t understand the mechanisms at play, several studies have found that serum B-12 levels are lower in women taking oral contraceptives. Take folate for example. When nutrients become depleted, many health risks increase. Learn how to consume optimal vitamins for bones. The pill always comes with the same piece of advice: take it at the … Research suggests that using birth control over a long period of time may cause a delay in fertility. Zinc will not affect the actions of birth control pills. JAMA 1972; 221: 1371-1374. JAMA 1973; 226: 1421-1424. 30 Fallah S, Sani FV, Firoozrai M. Effect of contraceptive pill on the selenium and zinc status of healthy subjects. Because so many factors affect nerves, dietary supplements for nerve health vary in their effectiveness from person to person. And because contraceptives are often taken over extended periods of time, … A systematic literature review looked at women who discontinued oral contraceptives (aka. Contraception 2012; 86: 62-66. 24 WHO. Vitamin B12 is critical for proper metabolism — converting food to energy. 6 Shojania AM. World Health Organization, 1975. Vitamin C According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, mega-dosing vitamin C can cause a rise in estrogen levels when taken with oral contraceptives and hormone replacement drugs, particularly if the user is deficient in vitamin C … 29 Halsted JA, Hackley BM, Smith JC, JR. Plasma-zinc and copper in pregnancy and after oral contraceptives. Vitamin C You might take this vitamin to stay healthy, and the good news is that it won’t decrease how well your birth control works. Lancet 1968; 2: 278-279. This result prompted some researchers to hypothesize that lowered Vitamin E could be responsible for the adverse cardiovascular side effects of taking oral contraceptives.1, 26, 27. You need folate for cells to divide and reproduce, as well as to remove the chemical homocysteine that is dangerous to your cardiovascular system. 22 Matsui MS, Rozovski SJ. If this is not possible, supplements may be in order. Many studies have shown that oral contraceptives reduce serum magnesium levels.1, 34, 35, 36, 37 Other studies indicate that supplementing with estrogen and calcium in post-menopausal women has a similar effect.38. Most of these hormonal birth control pills contain a combination of estrogen and progestin, an extremely effective combination with a 99.9% success rate by preventing ovulation. West Indian Med J 2011; 60: 308-315. It’s also critical to the immune system and balancing HDL and LDL cholesterol ratios. Supplements also contain several forms of magnesium. Effect of oral contraceptives on Serum magnesium levels. It’s a common deficiency in women of child-bearing age of lower socio-economic status who may not have optimal diets. When you eat foods containing folate (or folic acid), your body can’t immediately use the vitamin. Oral contraceptives, including birth control pills, interfere with vitamin absorption and activity. St. John’s Wort, a herbal supplement used to treat mild depression and sleep issues, has been found to interfere with the efficacy of birth control. 36 Olatunbosun DA, Adeniyi FA, Adadevoh BK. J Reprod Med 1980; 25:150-156. Birth control pills and other hormonal birth control devices contain hormones that may increase your blood pressure by narrowing smaller blood vessels. The only significant dietary sources of B12 are animal products, leaving vegans and vegetarians at major risk of deficiency. Int J Fertil 1974; 19: 224-226. When you think of all the Vitamin C variations by all possible supplemental forms, the types of Vitamin C possibilities seem infinite. S Afr Med J 1988; 73: 163-165. 8 Wertalik LF, Metz EN, Lobuglio AF, BALCERZAK SP. 12 Newman LJ, Lopez R, Cole HS, Boria MC, Cooperman JM. As mentioned above, birth control can also deplete women of vitamins C and E, as well as minerals like … It’s also critical to the immune system and balancing HDL and LDL cholesterol ratios. NO;good to take zinc: Birth control pills tend to increase one's need for zinc, as well as b6, Folic Acid and other essential nutrients. These combinations lead to vitamin deficiency in most women, including vitamin C. If you are taking birth control pills, it is best to take it along with vitamin C or other multivitamin supplements. Birth Control and Magnesium Deficiency Risk. The CDC reports that about 68% of women within childbearing years (15–48) are using some sort of contraceptive method for family planning, and about a third of those have chosen the birth control pill as their method of choice. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes the damaging free radicals that result from stress, environmental contaminants, and ingestion of harmful substances like alcohol and junk food. This result prompted some researchers to hypothesize that lowered Vitamin E could be responsible for the adverse cardiovascular side effects of taking oral contraceptives. Consuming high levels of vitamin C might have an effect on the efficacy of the birth control pill due to an interaction with estrogen, one of the hormones present in several types of birth control pills. This type of magnesium often has a laxative effect because your body excretes what it can’t use. Protein Nutrition and Mineral Absorption. Magnesium L-Threonate is a newly discovered form of the mineral that has the distinction of being the only compound proven to significantly raise magnesium levels in the brain. Too much Vitamin C (more than 1000 mgs per day) won’t increase the risk of pregnancy, but it will worsen the effects of estrogen, such as nausea, headaches, and bloating, so if you experience any of these side effects while on the pill, make sure to watch your Vitamin C intake! Lancet 1974; 1: 1234-1235. Advances in Methods on Fertility Regulation. *Note: This is NOT a complete list and we have not used any branded names as new drugs are released so frequently that it is not possible to keep up. Five Signs of a Highly Intelligent Person, 7 Behaviors Women Mistakenly Believe Attract Desirable Men, How Britain Became the Dumbest Society in the World. For the most part, you don't have to worry about taking these drugs. People with intestinal challenges — including celiac disease — tend to have difficulty absorbing this nutrient. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1979; 135: 129-134. Researchers have stated that oral contraceptives alter tissue uptake patterns, thus the distribution of the vitamin.1, 22, 23, 24, 25 In a recent study, researchers suggested that taking oral birth control pills increased oxidative stress (free radicals) and that supplementing with antioxidants Vitamin C and Vitamin E increased the activity of naturally occurring antioxidant glutathione and reduced levels of free radicals.25, Estradiol, Estradiol combinations, Ethinyl Estradiol, Ethinyl Estradiol combinations, Levonorgestrel, Norethindrone. Also, when supplementing to correct an oral contraceptive-induced vitamin depletion, you may be tempted to take large doses. Effects of oral contraceptives on vitamins B6, B12, C, and folacin. Vitamin E & C and The Pill Vitamin E and vitamin C are two antioxidants that are well documented to be depleted by the birth control pill.These two antioxidants work synergistically to protect your cells. Thiamine supplements help make up for dietary shortfalls and malabsorption. Supplementing the specific vitamins and minerals that birth control pills deplete offers more options in selecting a specific supplement. Other studies found changes in blood clotting activity in those taking birth control whose Vitamin E levels were depleted. This article only gives general information, so it is important to search for your specific medication by name to get the details. riboflavin, is essential for converting food to cellular energy that keeps your body running. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2003; 107: 57-61. We know, too, that birth control may deplete women of nutrients beyond B vitamins. Studies correlating birth control use with low B6 levels date back to the mid-1960s. The web is filled with misinformation about vitamins. Birth control pills may require the need to increase the amounts of certain vital nutrients. Here, expert and undiscovered voices alike dive into the heart of any topic and bring new ideas to the surface. 10 Pelton, Ross, RPh, PhD, CCN, LaValle, James, RPh, DHM, NMD, CCN, Hawkins, Ernest, RPh, MS, Krinsky, Daniel, RPh, MS. Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook Volume 2. 1 Palmery, M., Saraceno, A., Vaiarelli, A., Carlomagno, G. Oral contraceptives and changes in nutritional requirements. 28 Wapnir RA. Lancet 1968; 1:1376-1377. Jan 22, 2021 | B Vitamins, Vitamins and Nutrients. Is Biphasic Sleep The Answer To My Never-Ending Tiredness? It’s easy to become deficient in B2 when dietary intake is low. Contraception 1987; 36: 347-358. Other studies found changes in blood clotting activity in those taking birth control whose Vitamin E levels were depleted. For that reason, a Yinova herbalist may add some qi and blood tonifying and moving herbs to your diet as well as a Vitamin B complex to offset the side effects of the pill. Magnes Res 1990; 3: 197-215. Clin Ther 1982; 4: 423-440. Acta Haematol 1971; 45: 319-324. Several studies conducted in the past 50 years link lower serum zinc levels to oral contraceptive use, suggesting that women taking these medications may need more dietary zinc. Estradiol, Estradiol combinations, Ethinyl Estradiol, Ethinyl Estradiol combinations, Levonorgestrel, Norethindrone, Estrogen combinations. Even a mild deficiency can suppress the immune system, https://blog.livonlabs.com/vitamins-and-nutrients/zinc-benefits/. Riboflavin deficiency in women taking oral contraceptive agents. This mineral also supports eye, hormone, and skin health. 15 Lussana F, Zighetti ML, Bucciarelli P, Cugno M, Cattaneo M. Blood levels of homocysteine, folate, vitamin B6 and B12 in women using oral contraceptives compared to non-users. Drug-nutrient interaction. Vitamin C, also known by the chemical name ascorbic acid, is one of the most popular supplemented vitamins. Effects of contraceptives on serum trace elements, calcium and phosphorus levels. J Am Coll Nutr 1987; 6: 313-319. Vitamin, mineral, and other nutrient depletion is an effect of taking these drugs that has been documented since the 1960s, leading many researchers and pharmacists to recommend supplementing with vitamins and minerals while using these medications. Am J Clin Nutr 1975; 28: 436. It also makes neurotransmitters, the cells that control brain communication and mood. Vitamin E and birth control pills Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant required for proper immune system function. Researchers have stated that oral contraceptives alter tissue uptake patterns, thus the distribution of the vitamin. It’s true that taking birth control pills may lead to vitamin B-6, B-12, and vitamin B-9 (folic acid) deficiency. Serum magnesium in women during pregnancy, while taking contraceptives, and after menopause. 35 Stanton MF, Lowenstein FW. ⁠ 19 Riedel B, Bjorke Monsen AL, Ueland PM, Schneede J. Medium is an open platform where 170 million readers come to find insightful and dynamic thinking. Clin Sci 1966; 31: 265-272. To understand how vitamin E … Birth control pills drain your body of several essential nutrients with ongoing use. Recent large-scale studies corroborate this relationship.1, 14, 15, Estradiol, Estradiol combinations, Ethinyl Estradiol, Ethinyl Estradiol combinations, Levonorgestrel, Norethindrone, Estrogens (conjugated, synthetic, and esterified), Estrogen combinations, Estropipate. They also recommend that women who are planning to become pregnant after ceasing birth control pills to supplement with folate due to its well-known association with mitigating risk of certain birth defects. Several studies conducted in the past 50 years link lower serum zinc levels to oral contraceptive use, suggesting that women taking these medications may need more dietary zinc.1, 28, 29, 30, Estradiol, Estradiol combinations, Ethinyl Estradiol, Ethinyl Estradiol combinations, Levonorgestrel, Norethindrone, Estrogen combinations10, This trace mineral and potent antioxidant helps the thyroid function. Rodale, 2011. Prenatal vitamins are available over the counter and can contain other supplements. You also need it to make DNA. Other studies found changes in blood clotting activity in those taking birth control whose Vitamin E … St. John’s Wort, a herbal supplement used to treat mild depression and sleep issues, has been found to interfere with the efficacy of birth control. Magnesium citrate and magnesium glycinate are more expensive, but are much easier for the body to use. J Maine Med Assoc 1968; 59: 240-242. This is why people taking large oral doses of Vitamin C often report gastric distress. Jan 12, 2021 | Vitamin C, Vitamins and Nutrients. If they do, he says they may have an effect on birth control efficacy. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad 2001; 13: 24-25. 32 Cohen, Suzy, RPh. The most common in multivitamins and bargain supplements is magnesium oxide, which your body has a lot of trouble using. There are many different methods of birth control, including hormonal contraception such as \"the pill.\" Women take the pill by mouth to prevent pregnancy, and, when taken correctly, it is up to 99.9% effective. This trace mineral and potent antioxidant helps the thyroid function. 4 Ryser JE, Farquet JJ, Petite J. Megaloblastic anemia due to folic acid deficiency in a young woman on oral contraceptives. JAMA 1972; 221: 1371-1374. 7 Shojania AM, Hornady G, BARNES PH. Taking birth control pills could lead to a deficiency in other B vitamins, including B6, B12, and B9. Though researchers don’t understand the mechanisms at play, several studies have found that serum B-12 levels are lower in women taking oral contraceptives.1, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, Estradiol combinations, Ethinyl Estradiol, Ethinyl Estradiol combinations, Levonorgestrel, Norethindrone. Thromb Res 2003; 112: 37-41. It’s easy and free to post your thinking on any topic. When you eat foods containing folate (or folic acid), your body can’t immediately use the vitamin. Studies indicate that the hormones — progesterone and estrogen — in a combined birth control pill help promote sleep.