Uncovered connection between vitamin D and contraceptives reveals new insights
Let's Talk About Vitamin D and Contraception
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining the right calcium and phosphorous levels in your body, aiding calcium absorption, and helping build strong bones. Although foods like fish and eggs provide good amounts of vitamin D, around 90% of it is naturally produced through exposure to sunlight.
A study led by Dr. Quaker E. Harmon of the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences explored connections between vitamin D levels and contraceptive use among women. They analyzed data from the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids (SELF), examining nearly 1,700 African-American women aged 23-34 living in and around Detroit, MI.
The research showed that women who were using contraception containing estrogen displayed significantly higher vitamin D levels compared to others. Even after accounting for factors like seasonal exposure to light, the association stayed significant. According to the study, current users of birth control had higher vitamin D levels, and past users saw average levels.
"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
The study's findings imply that as women stop using birth control, they might be at risk of developing vitamin D deficiency. Dr. Harmon advises women planning to stop birth control to ensure their vitamin D levels are adequate during preconception and pregnancy.
Although the exact reasons for increased vitamin D levels are unclear, further research suggests that estrogen may impact vitamin D binding protein and metabolism, altering its availability and levels in the body. More research is needed to understand these interactions fully.
While estrogen-based contraceptives may raise vitamin D levels, other factors like diet, lifestyle, and overall health play essential roles in maintaining adequate vitamin D levels during pregnancy. Women should continue to monitor their vitamin D levels during pregnancy, especially if they've used hormonal contraceptives.
Sources:- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31663961- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537231/- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2766207/- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3671612/
- Women can benefit from specialized multivitamins designed for women, as they ensure the intake of essential nutrients like vitamins that might face deficiencies.
- The cultural perception towards women's health and nutrition is crucial in promoting proper endocrinology studies and addressing health-and-wellness issues like vitamin D deficiencies.
- Holistic health-and-wellness approaches should consider the impact of hormonal contraceptives on vitamin D levels, particularly in pregnant women, to prevent conditions like osteomalacia.
- Quaker's scientific research into the connections between vitamin D and contraception provides valuable insights into the effects of estrogen on vitamin D metabolism in women.
- Beyond contraception, nutrition plays a significant role in maintaining adequate vitamin D levels in women; consumption of foods rich in vitamin D, like fish and eggs, is crucial.
- Women, especially those planning to conceive or who are pregnant, should consult their healthcare providers to discuss their vitamin D levels and appropriate supplementation to avoid deficiencies.
- It is essential for women to prioritize their health, including addressing potential vitamin D deficiencies, during all stages of life, not just while using hormonal contraceptives.
- Proper diet, adequate sunlight exposure, balanced lifestyle, continuous monitoring, and targeted supplementation can help women maintain optimal vitamin D levels for healthy bones and overall wellbeing.
