Discovered connection between vitamin D and contraception revealed
Breaking Down the Impact of Birth Control on Vitamin D Levels
Vitamin D, the bone-strengthening powerhouse, plays a crucial role in maintaining the correct calcium and phosphorous levels in the blood, while also aiding in calcium absorption—a vital component for strong bones. Food sources rich in Vitamin D include fish and eggs, but this essential nutrient is mainly produced in the skin following sun exposure.
A study spearheaded by Dr. Quaker E. Harmon, from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), aimed to unravel any connection between taking oral contraceptives and vitamin D levels. The researchers analyzed data from the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids (SELF), a project involving around 1,700 African-American women in Detroit, MI. The study investigated women's contraceptive practices, time spent outdoors, and vitamin D supplement usage.
The research found that women using estrogen-based contraception had higher levels of Vitamin D. After adjusting for confounding factors like seasonal light exposure, the association remained significant. "We found that contraceptives containing estrogen tend to boost vitamin D levels, and those levels are likely to fall when women cease using contraception," explained Dr. Harmon.
The study revealed that current users of birth control exhibited higher Vitamin D levels, with past users showing average levels. After considering various adjustments, it was discovered that contraceptive pill, patch, or ring users containing estrogen were associated with 20% higher levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D.
As a woman prepares to conceive, she may face a risk of Vitamin D deficiency due to decreased hormone levels. Dr. Harmon advises potential mothers to consider maintaining adequate Vitamin D levels prior to and during pregnancy.
When questioned about the mechanism behind this phenomenon, Dr. Harmon hypothesized that the levels of other vitamin D metabolites were altered when women used estrogen-containing contraception, suggesting alterations in vitamin D metabolism. However, further investigation is required.
The study focused solely on African-American women, but findings appear similar among non-African-American women. It is worth noting that, in the United States, African-American women are more likely to be Vitamin D deficient, so even small increases or decreases in vitamin D concentrations may have a significant impact.
Dr. Harmon is continuing to follow the group of women in the study to further explore the relationship between estrogen-based contraception and Vitamin D levels, as well as working on a new group of participants to investigate how Vitamin D levels vary across the menstrual cycle. For more insight on Vitamin D's impact on health, read about research showing that higher Vitamin D levels lower cancer risk.
- The study's findings suggest that women using estrogen-based contraception may have higher levels of Vitamin D, a nutrient that aids in bone health.
- Dr. Harmon, the lead researcher, explains that contraceptives containing estrogen might boost Vitamin D levels, which may decrease when women stop using contraception.
- In preparing for pregnancy, women might face a risk of Vitamin D deficiency due to changes in hormone levels, making it advisable for them to maintain adequate Vitamin D levels.
- The current study focused on African-American women, but similar findings have been observed among non-African-American women, emphasizing the importance of Vitamin D for overall health and wellness.
- The research on African-American women suggests that small changes in vitamin D concentrations can have a significant impact, considering their higher likelihood of Vitamin D deficiency in the United States.
- The study also reveals an association between contraceptive pill, patch, or ring users containing estrogen and 20% higher levels of 25-hydroxy Vitamin D. Future investigations may shed more light on the science behind this phenomenon.
