Unexpected discovery sheds light on potential connection between vitamin D and contraception
Taking estrogen-based birth control pills might increase the levels of vitamin D in women's bodies. A study conducted by Dr. Quaker E. Harmon from the National Institutes of Health found that women who used such contraceptives had a 20% higher level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D compared to other women.
This study involving almost 1,700 African-American women in Detroit, MI, aged 23-34, found that higher vitamin D levels were linked to estrogen-containing contraception, even after adjusting for factors like seasonal exposure to light and vitamin D supplements. The researchers didn't find any behavioral differences to explain the increased vitamin D levels.
During pregnancy, women produce higher levels of the active form of vitamin D to support the growth of the fetal skeleton, making them more prone to vitamin D deficiency. This study suggests that women who stop using estrogen-based birth control may face a drop in their vitamin D levels.
While the study focused on African-American women, Dr. Harmon stated that similar observations have been made in women of different races, indicating that the association might not be related to race. She also mentioned that she is continuing to investigate the relationship between vitamin D levels and birth control, as well as how vitamin D varies across the menstrual cycle.
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining the correct calcium and phosphorous levels in the blood and helps the body absorb calcium, a vital component of bones. Foods like fish and eggs are high in vitamin D, but around 90 percent of vitamin D is produced in the skin through exposure to sunlight.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to issues like rickets and osteomalacia, where bones become soft. Given vitamin D's importance in the formation of bones, it's particularly important during pregnancy. If you're planning to stop using birth control and try to conceive or are pregnant, it's worth ensuring adequate vitamin D levels.
Why might estrogen-based contraceptives affect vitamin D levels? Dr. Harmon doesn't have a definitive answer yet, but other work suggests that the levels of other vitamin D metabolites might change when women use estrogen-containing contraception, which could imply alterations in the metabolism of vitamin D.
In summary, while more research is needed to fully understand the relationship between estrogen-based contraceptives and vitamin D levels, particularly during pregnancy, it's clear that vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone health and is essential during pregnancy. If you're planning to stop using birth control or are pregnant, it's worth considering your vitamin D levels.
- The study conducted by Dr. Quaker E. Harmon revealed that women who use estrogen-based birth control have a 20% higher level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D compared to other women.
- Although this study focused on African-American women, similar observations have been made in women of different races, suggesting that the association might not be related to race.
- The research indicated that higher vitamin D levels were linked to estrogen-containing contraception, even after adjusting for factors like seasonal exposure to light and vitamin D supplements.
- During pregnancy, women produce higher levels of the active form of vitamin D to support the growth of the fetal skeleton, making them more prone to vitamin D deficiency.
- The study suggests that women who stop using estrogen-based birth control may face a drop in their vitamin D levels.
- Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining the correct calcium and phosphorous levels in the blood and helps the body absorb calcium, a vital component of bones, and is particularly important during pregnancy.
