Vitamin D and contraceptive correlation investigated
Taking Birth Control Pills Might Boost Your Vitamin D Levels
Turns out, if you're popping those little pills for birth control, you might be getting a hidden bonus - a boost in your Vitamin D levels. A recent study has found that women on estrogen-based contraceptives have higher quantities of this vital nutrient compared to those who aren't.
But what's the big deal about Vitamin D? Well, this essential nutrient plays a crucial role in maintaining proper calcium and phosphorous levels in the blood. It also helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential for building and maintaining strong bones.
So, where does this Vitamin D come from? Yes, you guessed it - sunlight! Around 90 percent of our Vitamin D is produced naturally in our skin when it's exposed to sunlight. Foods like fish, eggs, and fortified dairy products are also high in this nutrient.
However, a deficiency in Vitamin D can lead to some serious health problems, such as rickets (in children) and osteomalacia (in adults - softening of the bones). Because Vitamin D is crucial during pregnancy, particularly in the formation of the fetal skeleton, expectant mothers are at increased risk of deficiency and associated issues.
led researchers to investigate any changes in Vitamin D levels associated with taking oral contraceptives. The study, conducted on nearly 1,700 African-American women living in Detroit, asked participants about their contraceptive use, sun exposure, and any Vitamin D supplements they may be taking.
After analyzing the data, the team found that women using contraception containing estrogen tended to have higher Vitamin D levels than others. Even after controlling for factors like sunlight exposure and confounding variables, the effect remained significant. The use of contraceptive pills, patches, or rings containing estrogen was associated with around 20 percent higher levels of the common circulating form of Vitamin D.
"Our findings suggest that contraceptives containing estrogen tend to boost vitamin D levels, and those levels are likely to fall when women cease using contraception," said Dr. Quaker E. Harmon, the lead researcher on the study.
However, the exact why behind this increase in Vitamin D levels is still unclear. Dr. Harmon adds that further research is needed to understand the mechanisms at play. The effects of this association on different racial groups also need more study, as African-American women are more likely to be Vitamin D-deficient in the U.S.
So, if you're planning to stop using birth control and want to ensure your Vitamin D levels are adequate before pregnancy, it might be a good idea to talk to your doctor or nutritionist for some guidance. After all, a little sunshine and a balanced diet never hurt anyone!
- In addition to regulating birth control, estrogen-based contraceptives might be contributing to increased Vitamin D levels in women.
- Vitamin D, an essential nutrient, is crucial for maintaining proper calcium and phosphorous levels in the blood, and it aids in the body's absorption of calcium for strong bone development.
- The primary source of Vitamin D is sunlight, with around 90% of our Vitamin D production occurring in the skin upon exposure.
- However, deficiencies in Vitamin D can lead to severe health issues, including rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, as well as complications during pregnancy.
- A recent study involving almost 1,700 African-American women in Detroit found that those using estrogen-based contraceptives had higher Vitamin D levels compared to others, even after accounting for factors like sunlight exposure.
- The researchers concluded that the use of contraceptive pills, patches, or rings containing estrogen could potentially boost Vitamin D levels by around 20%, although the mechanisms behind this increase remain unclear.
- Given the potential impact on Vitamin D levels when stopping birth control and during pregnancy, it's advisable to consult a doctor or nutritionist for guidance on maintaining adequate Vitamin D intake through a balanced diet and possible supplements.
