Exploring a potential connection between vitamin D and birth control pills revealed
Estrogen-based contraception link to increased vitamin D levels questioned
Research has shown that women on estrogen-based birth control may have higher vitamin D levels, but a new study investigates if this association holds across racial groups.
Vitamin D plays a significant role in maintaining proper calcium and phosphorous levels in the blood and aids in bone health. It's primarily found in foods like fish and eggs, but 90 percent of it is naturally produced in the skin via sunlight exposure.
A cross-sectional analysis of the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids (SELF) was conducted, using nearly 1,700 African-American women living in and around Detroit, MI, aged 23-34. The study asked women about their contraceptive use, time spent outside, and any vitamin D supplements taken. In total, 1,662 women provided blood samples to measure 25-hydroxy vitamin D.
The research found that women using contraception containing estrogen had higher vitamin D levels. After adjusting for confounding factors, such as seasonal exposure to light and vitamin D supplement use, the use of contraceptive pills, patches, or rings containing estrogen was associated with 20% higher levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D.
However, this effect may not be consistent across racial groups. In a wider context:
- Long-term use of hormonal birth control, which often includes estrogen, can lead to nutrient depletion, including vitamin D, and may be exacerbated by lifestyle factors.
- Differences in skin pigmentation can affect the production of vitamin D through sunlight exposure, which may influence baseline vitamin D levels.
- Direct links between estrogen-based contraception and consistent vitamin D level impact are not well-documented, and further research is needed.
While the study focused solely on African-American women, Dr. Harmon explains that the same association has been observed in other racial groups. She acknowledges that African-American women are more prone to vitamin D deficiency, making even small increases or drops in vitamin D levels crucial.
Dr. Harmon is also following this group of women to further investigate the relationship between hormonal contraception and vitamin D levels and is working on another group of participants to study vitamin D variation across the menstrual cycle.
Take note, as you start trying to get pregnant, consider taking steps to ensure that vitamin D levels are adequate. If you are planning to stop using birth control, it would be wise to maintain proper vitamin D levels. However, the consistency of this effect across racial groups is not thoroughly understood. Consult with your healthcare provider for individualized advice.
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- Vitamin D deficiencies can be a concern for women's health, particularly in African-American women, who may be more prone to these deficiencies.
- Recent studies have indicated that women on estrogen-based contraception may have higher vitamin D levels, but the consistency of this effect across racial groups is not fully understood.
- Science has documented that long-term use of hormonal birth control, which often includes estrogen, can lead to nutrient depletions, including vitamins such as D.
- A multi-vitamin or women's vitamins specifically designed to address nutrient depletion could be beneficial for women's health and wellness, as they strive to maintain proper nutrient levels.
- For those planning to stop using birth control, ensuring adequate vitamin D levels is crucial to prevent potential deficiencies that may impact overall health and well-being.
- Further research is necessary to comprehensively understand the impact of estrogen-based contraception on vitamin D levels, and consultations with healthcare providers remain essential for individualized advice on women's health and nutrition.
