Surprising connection between vitamin D and contraception revealed
Shedding Light on the Connection between Estrogen-Based Contraceptives and Vitamin D Levels
It's a curious finding that women on estrogen-based birth control pills exhibit higher amounts of circulating vitamin D, and their levels drop significantly once they stop taking these contraceptives. Here's a breakdown of what we know - straight up and no-holds-barred.
Vitamin D: The Unsung Hero
You might already know that vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining the appropriate calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. It also lends a hand in helping the body absorb calcium, which is a vital component of bones. Some top food sources of this vitamin include fish, eggs, and, in most cases, sunlight.
Sunshine, Supplements, and More
Over 90% of our vitamin D is produced in the skin through a chemical reaction after exposure to sunlight. However, deficiency can lead to nasty conditions like rickets (in children) and osteomalacia (softening of the bones) in adults. Given its essential role during pregnancy, ensuring adequate vitamin D is of particular importance.
Contraception and Vitamin D: A Curious Relationship
With the curious link between estrogen-based contraceptives and vitamin D levels, Dr. Quaker E. Harmon, from the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, decided to investigate further. Among other things, the study found that women using contraceptives containing estrogen showed higher vitamin D levels. Even after accounting for various factors, this relationship stayed significant.
The Big Question: Why?
We may not have all the answers, but it appears that estrogen-based contraception boosts vitamin D levels. When women stop using these contraceptives, those levels tend to fall. However, we don't know the exact reasons behind this relationship. Further research is needed to clarify what's going on behind the scenes.
In the realm of racial differences, the same association has been observed among various demographics, not only African-Americans. Since African-American women are more likely to be vitamin D-deficient in the United States, even small changes in vitamin D levels can have a significant impact.
As more research unfolds, Dr. Harmon plans to continue investigating the relationship between estrogen-based contraception and vitamin D levels and how they might evolve during the menstrual cycle. Stay tuned for more on this intriguing topic.
- Women on estrogen-based contraceptives have higher levels of circulating vitamin D, which significantly drops once they cease taking these pills.
- Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining appropriate calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood, and aids in the absorption of calcium, vital for bone health.
- In Dr. Quaker E. Harmon's study, women on estrogen-based contraceptives had higher vitamin D levels, and this association persisted even after considering various factors.
- Since African-American women are more likely to be vitamin D-deficient in the United States, changes in vitamin D levels can have substantial impacts among different demographics.
- Nutritionists are examining the development of women's multi-nutrient vitamins and their effects on health and wellness, particularly in addressing women's health deficiencies.
- The utility of science in understanding the relationship between estrogen-based contraception, vitamin D levels, and the menstrual cycle is crucial in the ongoing pursuit of optimal women's health and nutrition.
