Unveiled connection: Vitamin D possibly linked to birth control methods
Estrogen-based contraceptives and their influence on your Vitamin D levels
Women who use estrogen-containing birth control pills have higher quantities of circulating Vitamin D, while those who stop taking these pills can face a noticeable drop in Vitamin D levels. Let's dive into the world of sunshine vitamins and contraception.
Vitamin D's primary job is maintaining the correct calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. It also aids the body in absorbing calcium, a necessary component for creating strong bones. Though its production mostly comes from exposure to sunlight and dietary sources like fish and eggs, a deficiency in Vitamin D can lead to severe consequences such as rickets and osteomalacia (softening of the bones).
As Vitamin D is vital in the formation of bones, it becomes essential, especially during pregnancy. In a recent study led by Dr. Quaker E. Harmon of the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, researchers showed an association between estrogen-containing contraception and higher Vitamin D levels in women.
The link between contraception and Vitamin D levels
The researchers carried out a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids (SELF), a project investigating reproductive health. They focused on almost 1,700 African-American women living in and around Detroit, MI, aged 23-34. The study looked at contraceptive use, time spent outside, and Vitamin D supplements taken. In total, 1,662 women provided blood samples to ascertain levels of the most common circulating form of Vitamin D, called 25-hydroxy vitamin D.
After adjusting for confounding factors, such as seasonal exposure to light, the use of contraceptive pills, patches, or rings containing estrogen was associated with a stunning 20 percent higher level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D. Current users of birth control had higher Vitamin D levels, while past users showed average levels.
The vital role of Vitamin D in early pregnancy
This study's findings raise concerns for women who plan to stop using birth control. As a woman starts trying to conceive, she may inadvertently become deficient in Vitamin D. Dr. Harmon advises taking steps to ensure adequate Vitamin D levels before and during pregnancy.
While more research is needed to explain the mechanism behind this association, the current study is a step forward in understanding the link between estrogen-based contraceptives and Vitamin D levels in pregnant women. As it stands, this relationship seems independent of race, but Dr. Harmon continues to monitor this group of women to investigate further.
It's important to maintain adequate Vitamin D levels, especially during pregnancy, regardless of contraceptive use. Speak with your healthcare provider about appropriate dietary intake, sunlight exposure, and supplementation if necessary. Though the link between estrogen-based contraceptives and Vitamin D is still not extensively documented, this discovery provides insight into how contraceptives might impact our health.
- In the context of estrogen-based contraceptives, it's notable that women who use these pills have higher levels of Vitamin D, while a drop can occur after discontinuation.
- The correlation between contraception and Vitamin D levels was explored in a study led by Dr. Quaker E. Harmon, focusing on African-American women living in Detroit, MI.
- The researchers discovered that contraceptive pills, patches, or rings containing estrogen were linked to a 20% higher level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D, the most common circulating form of Vitamin D.
- Adequate Vitamin D levels during pregnancy are crucial, and women who plan to stop using birth control should take steps to prevent potential deficiencies.
- Maintaining good health-and-wellness and women's health requires understanding the relationship between estrogen-based contraceptives and Vitamin D levels, a connection that may have implications for nutrient supplementation and nutrition.
- As more research continues to uncover the science behind this association, it's essential to discuss appropriate Vitamin D intake with your healthcare provider, considering your contraceptive use, sunlight exposure, and dietary sources.
