Unveiled connection between vitamin D and birth control methods finds spotlight
Women taking estrogen-based birth control pills may have higher levels of vitamin D, according to a recent study led by researcher Dr. Quaker E. Harmon of the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Conversely, those who discontinue these contraceptives may experience a significant drop in their vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining correct calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood, as well as aiding the body's absorption of calcium, an essential component of bones. Foods such as fish and eggs are rich in vitamin D, while around 90 percent of the vitamin is produced in the skin through a chemical reaction after exposure to sunlight.
Deficiency in vitamin D can have severe consequences, including rickets and osteomalacia (softening of the bones). As vitamin D is vital for bone formation, it is particularly important during pregnancy. The researchers set out to investigate any link between changes in vitamin D levels and the use of oral contraceptives.
The researchers conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids (SELF), an investigation of reproductive health involving nearly 1,700 African-American women living in and around Detroit, MI, aged 23-34. The study questioned women about their contraceptive use and inquired about their time spent outdoors and the use of vitamin D supplements.
A total of 1,662 women provided blood samples to determine their levels of the most common circulating form of vitamin D, called 25-hydroxy vitamin D. The researchers found that women using contraception containing estrogen tended to have higher vitamin D levels than other women.
After controlling for confounding factors, such as seasonal exposure to light, the effect remained significant. The use of contraceptive pills, patches, or rings containing estrogen was associated with a 20 percent higher level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D. Women who were currently using birth control had higher vitamin D levels, while past users had average vitamin D levels.
There are several factors that could influence the vitamin D levels in women using estrogen-based contraceptives. Hormonal effects, sun exposure, diet, supplementation, and lifestyle factors all play a role in maintaining healthy vitamin D levels. Women who are planning on becoming pregnant should discuss their vitamin D status and potential supplementation with their healthcare provider if they discontinue their birth control.
Low vitamin D levels during early pregnancy can have various implications, including potential health issues for the baby, pregnancy complications, and mood disorders. Maintaining adequate vitamin D levels is essential, especially during pregnancy.
Dr. Harmon and her team are continuing to follow this group of women to further investigate the relationship between vitamin D and contraception. Additionally, she is working on another group of participants to investigate how vitamin D varies across the menstrual cycle. Further work is needed to determine why estrogen-based contraception might affect vitamin D levels.
- The study led by Dr. Quaker E. Harmon discovered that women taking estrogen-based birth control pills may have higher levels of vitamin D.
- During pregnancy, vitamin D is vital for bone formation and plays a crucial role in maintaining correct calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood, aiding the body's absorption of calcium.
- Deficiencies in vitamin D can lead to severe consequences, such as rickets and osteomalacia (softening of the bones), making it particularly important during pregnancy.
- In the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids, a cross-sectional analysis was conducted on nearly 1,700 African-American women, investigating the link between changes in vitamin D levels and the use of oral contraceptives.
- The researchers found that women using contraception containing estrogen showed a 20 percent higher level of the most common circulating form of vitamin D, called 25-hydroxy vitamin D, compared to other women.
- Women planning on becoming pregnant should discuss their vitamin D status and potential supplementation with their healthcare provider if they discontinue their birth control, as low vitamin D levels during early pregnancy can have various implications, including potential health issues for the baby, pregnancy complications, and mood disorders.
