Uncovered connections found between vitamin D and birth control methods.
Let's Talk Vitamin D and Birth Control:
Vitamin D, a crucial nutrient that maintains the correct balance of calcium and phosphorus in your blood and helps your body absorb calcium for strong bones, has a weird thing going on with estrogen-based birth control pills. Researchers discovered that women who consume these pills have higher amounts of circulating vitamin D, while those who stop taking them face a sharp drop in vitamin D levels.
Now, you might be wondering, "Where can I find this sun-soaked superhero vitamin?" Well, look no further than your local fish and egg market, as these foods are high in vitamin D. But here's the kicker – around 90% of vitamin D is produced in your skin from a chemical reaction coinciding with sunlight exposure.
But what about a vitamin D deficiency? Well, it can lead to some unpleasant consequences, like rickets and osteomalacia (softening of the bones). Given that vitamin D plays a vital role in bone formation, it's particularly important during pregnancy, especially due to the increased risk of deficiency and development of bone problems.
Dr. Quaker E. Harmon from the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences decided to investigate any changes in vitamin D levels associated with taking oral contraceptives. To do this, he teamed up with researchers studying the effects of reproductive health on African-American women aged 23-34 in and around Detroit, MI, for the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids (SELF).
Contraception and Vitamin D:
Over 1,600 participants provided blood samples, and the study asked women about their contraceptive use, sunlight exposure, and any vitamin D supplements they took. The study results showed that women using estrogen-based contraception had higher vitamin D levels than other participants. Even after accounting for factors like sunlight exposure and time spent outdoors, this trend remained consistent.
"Our study found that women who were using contraception containing estrogen tended to have higher vitamin D levels than other women."
-- Dr. Quaker E. Harmon
After making adjustments for confounding factors, the use of contraceptive pills, patches, or rings containing estrogen was associated with a 20% increase in 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels. Past users of birth control had average vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D Deficiency in Early Pregnancy:
The study's findings offer a heads-up to women planning to become pregnant – they may risk becoming deficient in vitamin D when they stop using birth control. Dr. Harmon advises these women to take steps to ensure that vitamin D levels are adequate while trying to conceive and during pregnancy.
Dr. Harmon couldn't explain why estrogen-based contraception might affect vitamin D levels but suggested that further research is needed. She also mentioned that the current study only looked at African-American women, and she is continuing to follow this group to further investigate the relationship. Additionally, she is working on another group of participants to examine how vitamin D varies across the menstrual cycle.
It's worth noting that although estrogen-based contraception might influence vitamin D levels, it is not a significant factor in addressing or preventing vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy. Menstrual cycle variations and other factors like limited sun exposure, a diet low in vitamin D, or certain medical conditions are more critical when it comes to maintaining adequate vitamin D levels during pregnancy.
- In the health-and-wellness sector, the role of women's vitamins, particularly those containing vitamin D, has gained significant attention due to scientific studies.
- The consumption of estrogen-based birth control pills is known to elevate vitamin D levels in women, while a drop in vitamin D levels can occur once these pills are discontinued.
- To combat vitamin D deficiencies, it's essential for women, particularly those planning pregnancy, to consider multi-vitamin supplements containing vitamin D to ensure proper nutrient intake.
- Various cultural aspects, such as clothing choices and geographical location, may impact sun exposure, which subsequently influences vitamin D production in the body.
- Despite the association between estrogen-based contraception and increased vitamin D levels, other factors like limited sun exposure, diet low in vitamin D, medical conditions, and menstrual cycle variations are more crucial when maintaining adequate vitamin D levels during pregnancy.
