Uncovered connection between vitamin D and birth control therapy revealed
Sun and Pills: Boosting Vitamin D Levels with Hormonal Contraceptives
Got your sunscreen on while enjoying the outdoors, but still not getting your daily dose of vitamin D? Surprisingly, hormonal contraceptives might be the secret ingredient to a vitamin D-rich lifestyle, according to a recent study.
Vitamin D, often known as the "sunshine vitamin," helps maintain the perfect balance of calcium and phosphorus in the blood, and aids in the absorption of calcium — an essential building block for bones. Although vitamin D can be found in various food sources like fish and eggs, around 90% of our vitamin D comes from the sun via a chemical reaction in the skin.
But for women taking estrogen-based contraceptive pills, patches, or rings, it seems mother nature isn't the only factor affecting their vitamin D levels. Dr. Quaker E. Harmon and her team discovered that these contraceptives can raise vitamin D levels, while cessation of use significantly drops them.
To reach these conclusions, Dr. Harmon and her team analyzed data from a study on reproductive health called SELF, which involved nearly 1,700 African-American women in Detroit. They found that women using contraception containing estrogen displayed higher vitamin D levels compared to other women. This effect was consistent even after taking into account factors like seasonal exposure to light.
Vitamin D Boost with Birth Control
After careful analysis, Dr. Harmon remarked, "Our study found that women who were using contraception containing estrogen tended to have higher vitamin D levels than other women." Women who were using these contraceptives had around 20% higher levels of the most common circulating form of vitamin D. Interestingly, past users of birth control also had typical vitamin D levels, while current users experienced increased levels.
Why exactly estrogen-based contraceptives increase vitamin D levels is still unknown, but further studies will help shed light on the mechanism. One theory suggests that contraceptives may potentially alter the metabolism of vitamin D. Nevertheless, as women plan to stop using birth control or begin trying to conceive, it's wise to ensure vitamin D levels are sufficient.
It's important to note that this study focused solely on African-American women. While the same association has been observed in non-African-American populations, further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between race and vitamin D levels.
In summary, if you thought that your birth control was only preventing pregnancy, think again! 💊
- Sunshine vitamins, specifically the nutrient vitamin D, are crucial for maintaining bone health by balancing calcium and phosphorus levels and aiding in calcium absorption.
- Although multiple food sources like fish and eggs contain vitamin D, our primary source is actually sunlight through a chemical reaction in the skin, accounting for around 90% of our daily intake.
- Intriguingly, a recent study reveals that hormonal contraceptives containing estrogen may positively impact vitamin D levels, raising them upon usage.
- The science behind this discovery indicates that estrogen in contraceptive pills, patches, or rings may influence the body's metabolism of vitamin D, although the exact mechanisms remain unknown.
- Multi-vitamin supplements, commonly advertised for women's health and wellness, may not be the sole solution for addressing potential vitamin D deficiencies.
- For women planning to discontinue birth control or trying to conceive, ensuring vitamin D levels are adequate is advisable, given the observed effects on vitamin D levels in those using estrogen-based contraceptives.
