Discovered Connection Between Vitamin D and Birth Control Exploration
Contraceptives and Vitamin D: A Surprising Connection
"Women on estrogen-based birth control pills may have higher levels of circulating vitamin D, while those who cease using these contraceptives might experience a significant drop in vitamin D levels," reveals a recent study.
Vitamin D Basics
Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in maintaining the right balance of calcium and phosphorous in the bloodstream. It also helps the body absorb calcium, an integral component of our bones. Foods like fish and eggs are rich in vitamin D, but a staggering 90% of vitamin D is produced naturally in the skin from sunlight exposure.
Vitamin D Deficiency: Risks and Remedies
Vitamin D deficiency can trigger conditions like rickets and osteomalacia (softening of the bones). Given its importance in bone development, it's especially crucial during pregnancy. Dr. Quaker E. Harmon from the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences sought to investigate any changes in vitamin D levels connected to oral contraceptives.
Contraception and Vitamin D: Uncovering the Link
Researchers carried out a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids (SELF), a study focusing on reproductive health. The project involved 1,662 African-American women aged 23-34 living around Detroit, MI.
The study asked women about their contraceptive use, sunlight exposure, and any vitamin D supplements they consumed. Blood samples were collected to determine the levels of the most popular form of vitamin D, called 25-hydroxy vitamin D.
The findings showed that women using contraception containing estrogen had higher vitamin D levels compared to others. This association remained significant even after adjusting for confounding factors, such as sunlight exposure and time spent outdoors.
"Contraceptives containing estrogen tend to boost vitamin D levels, and those levels are likely to fall when women cease using contraception," commented Dr. Harmon.
After making adjustments for confounding variables, the association with contraceptive pill, patch, or ring use containing estrogen resulted in 20 percent higher levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D.
Vitamin D Deficiency Early in Pregnancy
These findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, imply that women planning to become pregnant might risk vitamin D deficiency. Dr. Harmon advises, "For women who are planning to stop using birth control, it's worth taking steps to ensure adequate vitamin D levels while trying to conceive and during pregnancy."
Researchers are continuing to explore the connection between contraception and vitamin D, and possible variations throughout the menstrual cycle.
While the current study focused solely on African-American women, Dr. Harmon suggests that the association may not be race-specific:
"Though further research is needed, we believe this association is not tied to race. In the United States, African-American women are more susceptible to vitamin D deficiency, so even minor increases or decreases in vitamin D concentrations may have significant implications."
The study serves as a reminder for women to monitor their vitamin D levels when trying to conceive and during pregnancy.
[1] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/328631
[2] https://www.mntnews.com/news/0579-71182-106/women-who-take-estrogen-based-birth-control-have-significantly-higher-levels-of-vitamin-d.htm.
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92766/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6172971/
[5] https://www.webmd.com/bones-joints/news/20210126/vitamin-d-wellness-during-pregnancy
Remember, estrogen-based contraceptives can potentially affect vitamin D levels, albeit the exact mechanisms are incompletely understood. During pregnancy, it's essential to ensure your vitamin D levels are sufficient to reduce the risk of negative maternal and fetal outcomes. Speak with your healthcare provider for guidance on maintaining your vitamin D levels during pregnancy and contraceptive use.
- During pregnancy, maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D is especially crucial due to its importance in bone development.
- The study revealed that African-American women using contraception containing estrogen had higher levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D compared to others, an association that remained significant after accounting for sunlight exposure and other factors.
- Women planning to become pregnant might risk vitamin D deficiency after ceasing the use of contraception containing estrogen, as their levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D may significantly drop.
- As the study focused on African-American women, further research is necessary to understand if this association is specific to race, or if it extends to other ethnicities.
- Women's health and nutrition are integral components of the health-and-wellness industry, and understanding the link between contraception and vitamin D levels can help in formulating women's vitamins with optimal nutrients.
- Nutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin D deficiency, can have long-term health implications, particularly for women, as they may lead to conditions like rickets and osteomalacia (softening of the bones).
