Discovered connection between vitamin D levels and contraceptive use revealed
Know the Facts: How Birth Control Pills and Vitamin D Intertwine
Forget the myths, let's talk about the unconventional connection between birth control and vitamin D. Here's the lowdown on this unexpected duo.
As you might know, vitamin D is like the boss of calcium and phosphorous in your blood, keeping them in check. It also helps your body soak up calcium, essential for building up solid bones. Most of this vitamin D comes from foods that are high in it, like fish and eggs, and a smidgen from the sun's rays.
Now, here's where it gets interesting. Researchers have found that women on estrogen-based birth control pills have a higher concentration of circulating vitamin D in their bodies. On the flip side, when these women stop using birth control, their levels drop significantly.
But what role does this mighty vitamin play in our bods, you ask? Well, it's like a superhero for fetal bone development during pregnancy, and taking too little of it can increase the risk of issues like soft bones (rickets) and osteomalacia.
To dive a bit deeper, Dr. Quaker E. Harmon from the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in Research Triangle Park, NC, decided to unravel the secrets of vitamin D and contraception.
In a nutshell, they studied over 1,600 African-American women living around Detroit, MI, aged 23-34, to investigate the relationship between contraception use and vitamin D levels. After analyzing various factors, they found that those on estrogen-based contraception had around 20 percent higher levels of vitamin D.
However, it's essential to remember that this study focused on African-American women. More research is needed to determine if the same association holds true for other racial groups.
So, for all you ladies out there who are trying to conceive or pregnant, be sure to chat with your doc about vitamin D levels, as they play a critical role in supporting the growth and development of your baby's bones.
But, you might wonder, how on earth does estrogen-based birth control influence vitamin D levels? Well, the answer remains unsolved, but it's thought that the metabolism of vitamin D could be altered when using these contraceptives.
So, there you have it! Building on the conventional wisdom that your health requires a balanced diet and regular exercise, it seems that estrogen-based birth control might just nudge your vitamin D levels a bit higher. Time to hit the beach (or light a sunlamp) and soak up some sun, mate!
Hint Hint: If you're looking for more info on how vitamin D could help lower cancer risks, check this out!
- Women on estrogen-based birth control pills have higher concentrations of circulating vitamin D in their bodies, a nutrient critical for fetal bone development during pregnancy and essential for building strong bones.
- Researchers have found that vitamin D levels drop significantly in women who stop using birth control, indicating an unconventional connection between these two elements.
- A study conducted by Dr. Quaker E. Harmon at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences focused on African-American women and found that those on estrogen-based contraception had around 20 percent higher levels of vitamin D.
- However, it's important to note that more research is needed to determine if the same association holds true for other racial groups.
- In the realm of women's health, nutrition, and health-and-wellness, understanding the impact of vitamins, such as vitamin D, and their deficiencies becomes crucial for maintaining optimal health.
- The exact mechanism by which estrogen-based birth control influences vitamin D levels remains a scientific mystery, but it's thought that the metabolism of vitamin D might be altered when using these contraceptives.
