Estrogen-Based Birth Control Linked to Higher Vitamin D Levels in Women
Exciting discovery of the relationship between vitamin D and contraception revealed
New research suggests that the use of estrogen-based contraceptives may lead to increased levels of vitamin D in women. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, was conducted by Dr. Quaker E. Harmon of the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.
Women who were taking estrogen-based contraceptives, such as pills, patches, or rings, were found to have 20% higher levels of vitamin D compared to those not using such methods. The researchers made this discovery after examining data from the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids, a project investigating reproductive health.
The study involved almost 1,700 African-American women aged 23-34 living in and around Detroit, Michigan. Participants answered questions about their contraceptive use and sunlight exposure, and provided blood samples to measure vitamin D levels.
Dr. Harmon's team found that women using contraception containing estrogen had higher levels of vitamin D, with levels dropping significantly when women stopped using contraception. Interestingly, the researchers could not find any behavioral explanations for the higher levels, such as increased time spent outdoors.
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining the correct calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood, and helps the body absorb calcium, an essential component of bones. A sufficient amount of vitamin D is essential during pregnancy to support the growth of the fetal skeleton.
While foods such as fish and eggs are high in vitamin D, about 90% of the vitamin is produced in the skin through a chemical reaction after exposure to sunlight. However, African-American women, who have higher levels of melanin in their skin, tend to have lower vitamin D levels due to reduced ability to produce vitamin D from sunlight.
The study's findings suggest that the relationship between estrogen-based contraception and vitamin D levels may not be specific to race. Dr. Harmon and her team are continuing to investigate this relationship, and are also working on another group of participants to examine how vitamin D varies during the menstrual cycle.
The study adds to the growing body of evidence that shows the important role of hormones, particularly estrogen, in vitamin D metabolism. However, further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms. Women who are planning to stop using birth control are advised to ensure adequate vitamin D levels while trying to conceive and during pregnancy.
- The study demonstrates that women on estrogen-based contraceptives, such as multi-vitamins in the form of pills, patches, or rings, often exhibit 20% higher levels of vitamin D compared to non-users.
- Science reveals that African-American women, due to their higher levels of melanin, tend to have lower vitamin D levels, given their reduced ability to produce it from sunlight.
- The health-and-wellness implications of this study could help address the prevalent vitamin D deficiencies among women, especially those from cultural backgrounds like African-Americans.
- Researchers could not find any behavioral explanations for the higher levels of vitamin D among contraceptive users, like increased time spent outdoors, indicating that hormones, specifically estrogen, may play a significant role in vitamin D metabolism.
- Nutrition experts emphasize the importance of women maintaining sufficient vitamin D levels, especially during pregnancy, as the vitamin aids in proper calcium and phosphorus levels, promoting healthy bone growth for the fetus.
- As ongoing research continues to investigate the relationship between estrogen-based contraception and vitamin D levels, as well as how vitamin D varies during the menstrual cycle, it is advised for women planning to stop using birth control to ensure adequate vitamin D levels while trying to conceive and during pregnancies.
