Unveiled connection between vitamin D and birth control components revealed
In a new study, researchers at the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in Research Triangle Park, NC, have discovered a significant link between estrogen-based contraceptives and vitamin D levels in women. The findings suggest that women taking oral, patch, or ring contraceptives containing estrogen have higher levels of circulating vitamin D, while those who stop using such contraceptives may experience a notable drop in vitamin D levels.
Primarily, vitamin D performs a vital role in maintaining appropriate calcium and phosphorous levels in the blood. Additionally, it facilitates the absorption of calcium, an essential component in bone formation. Vitamin D can be found in foods like fish and eggs, but the human body generates approximately 90% of its vitamin D through a chemical reaction triggered by exposure to sunlight. Deficiencies in vitamin D can lead to conditions such as rickets and osteomalacia, characterized by softening of the bones. Given vitamin D's importance in bone formation, it is particularly crucial during pregnancy.
In an effort to investigate any potential associations between oral contraceptives and vitamin D levels, Dr. Quaker E. Harmon chose to scrutinize data from the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids (SELF), an examination of reproductive health. The study, featuring almost 1,700 African-American women aged 23-34 living in and around Detroit, MI, probed contraceptive use, sunlight exposure, and vitamin D supplementation.
Through blood samples from 1,662 participants, the study ascertained levels of the most prevalent form of circulating vitamin D, known as 25-hydroxy vitamin D. The findings showed that women using contraception containing estrogen displayed higher vitamin D levels compared to other participants. Even after controlling for confounding factors like seasonal exposure to light, the effect remained significant.
"Our study found that women who were using contraception containing estrogen tended to have higher vitamin D levels than other women," Dr. Harmon stated. After adjusting for confounding variables, the use of contraceptive pills, patches, or rings containing estrogen was associated with a 20 percent increase in 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels.
As a woman starts trying to become pregnant, the risk of vitamin D deficiency arises because of the drop in estrogen-based contraceptive use. Dr. Harmon encourages women who plan to stop using birth control to take steps to ensure sufficient vitamin D levels while trying to conceive and during pregnancy.
Although the study focused solely on African-American women, Dr. Harmon stated the same association has been observed in women of different racial backgrounds, implying the association is not attributed to race. Given that African-American women have a higher chance of being vitamin D-deficient, even small changes in vitamin D concentrations may be more critical for this demographic.
The researchers plan to continue investigating the relationship between contraceptives and vitamin D levels in this group of women and are working on a new group of participants to study how vitamin D varies across the menstrual cycle.
With adequate vitamin D levels in utmost importance for overall health and pregnancy planning, women are advised to consider diet, sunlight, and possibly supplements, as recommended by a healthcare provider, to maintain healthy vitamin D levels.
- The new study revealed that women using contraception containing estrogen exhibit higher levels of vitamin D compared to other participants.
- In the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids (SELF), researchers found a 20 percent increase in 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels associated with the use of contraceptive pills, patches, or rings containing estrogen.
- Given that African-American women have a higher chance of being vitamin D-deficient, small changes in vitamin D concentrations may be more critical for this demographic.
- As a woman starts trying to become pregnant, the drop in estrogen-based contraceptive use can increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency.
- Dr. Harmon encourages women who plan to stop using birth control to ensure sufficient vitamin D levels while trying to conceive and during pregnancy.
- With vitamin D's importance in overall health, particularly during pregnancy, women are advised to consider diet, sunlight, and possibly supplements, as recommended by a healthcare provider, to maintain healthy vitamin D levels.
