Nutrient Depletions Caused By Oral Contraceptives
23 Jun
So far we have examined nutrient depletions caused by antibiotics and antacids. Today let’s continue this series by examining nutrient depletions caused by oral contraceptives.
The following are a list of nutrients known to be depleted by oral contraceptives:
DHEA (a hormone) Ortho Novum® 1/35 and Ovcon® 35 decreased serum concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS). Estrogen-containing oral contraceptives have also resulted in decreased DHEAS.
Folate Long-term use of oral contraceptives can result in folic acid deficiency, including megaloblastic anemia.
Magnesium Women using oral contraceptives have been found to have lower serum magnesium levels.
Melatonin (a hormone) Medications that reduce levels of vitamin B6 in the body, such as oral contraceptives, may also deplete melatonin levels.
Selenium Selenium levels may be decreased in patients taking oral contraceptives.
Zinc Birth control pills may decrease zinc absorption.
Other possible nutrient depletions include Vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6 and B12, although there is conflicting evidence.
As you can see, there are numerous nutrient depletions that can be caused by birth control pills. The above sources are limited to human studies and therefore do not include further possible depletions found in animal studies.
As was the case with antibiotics and antacids, the longer you take oral contraceptives, the greater the risk for nutrient depletions. Risk may also be increased in those who are already susceptible to nutrient deficiences due to illness (low stomach acid, malabsorption, pancreatic insufficiency, etc.) or lifestyle (smokers, alcoholics, vegetarians).
I encourage you to ask your doctor about possible nutrient depletions, especially if you have been taking birth control pills for a longer period of time. Nutrient depletions can be fairly easily determined through taking a thorough case history and appropriate lab testing.
At the very least, nutrients can be repleted through proper supplementation if deficiencies are found.
45 Grace Street Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A2S7 Canada
candice@healingclinic.ca • 705 575 7560
Great article as always Candice! I see so many women taking birth control pills with low zinc status. I’m glad you’re drawing attention to the many nutrients that are affected by this common pharmaceutical.