Research reveals potential link between vitamin D and contraception
Scoop: Women on estrogen-based birth control pills have higher Vit D levels; cessation leads to a drop
Get ready to grasp some vital insight about Vit D and its role, as highlighted by a new study. You won't believe how estrogen-based contraceptives can affect Vit D levels!
Vit D, well-known for maintaining correct calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood, also aids the body in absorbing calcium—a key component of bones. In fact, foods rich in Vit D, like fish and eggs, are plentiful. Yet, around 90% of Vit D is produced in the skin through a sun-induced chemical response!
Deficiency in Vit D can cause rickets and osteomalacia, where bones soften. In fact, pregnant women are at an increased risk of Vit D deficiency and, subsequently, bone issues.
With this in mind, Dr. Quaker E. Harmon, from the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, decided to probe any correlations between Vit D levels and contraceptive use.
Vitamin D and Contraception
To get to the bottom of this, the team conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids, a reproductive health investigation. The project surveyed nearly 1,700 African-American women aged 23-34 in and around Detroit, MI.
The women were asked about their contraceptive use and questions concerning outdoor time and Vit D supplement intake. In total, 1,662 women provided blood samples to examine levels of the most common circulating form of Vit D, called 25-hydroxy vitamin D.
"Our study found that women using contraception containing estrogen tended to have higher Vit D levels than other women," noted Dr. Harmon.
After controlling for factors such as seasonal light exposure, the effect remained significant. However, Dr. Harmon couldn't find any differences in behavior that could explain the increase in Vit D levels, suggesting that estrogen-based contraceptives may directly boost Vit D levels.
"After adjusting for confounding variables, the use of contraceptive pills, patches, or rings containing estrogen was associated with 20 percent higher levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D." stated Dr. Harmon.
Vitamin D Deficiency in Early Pregnancy
Alarmingly, this study suggests that women planning to conceive might become deficient in Vit D. Dr. Harmon suggests taking steps to ensure adequate Vit D levels before conceiving and during pregnancy.
Dr. Harmon continues to study this group and is also investigating how Vit D varies across the menstrual cycle. Get ready for even more insights on Vit D and contraception!
Want more details on the potential implications? Vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone health, and estrogen can help maintain bone density. However, the link between estrogen-based contraceptives and Vit D levels is not well-established. Maintaining a balanced diet, including foods rich in Vit D, and ensuring sufficient sun exposure can support healthy Vit D levels.
For women planning to become pregnant, consulting their healthcare provider about their Vit D levels and the impact of estrogen-based contraceptives is advisable. Researchers continue to explore the connections between Vit D and estrogen, so stay tuned for updates!
- The study revealed that women on estrogen-based contraceptives tend to have higher Vit D levels than other women.
- After controlling for various factors, the use of contraceptive pills, patches, or rings containing estrogen was associated with a 20% increase in 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels.
- Dr. Harmon's ongoing research suggests that women planning to conceive might become deficient in Vit D due to cessation of estrogen-based contraceptives.
- To maintain bone health during pregnancy, it is advisable for women to consult their healthcare provider about their Vit D levels and the impact of estrogen-based contraceptives.
- The connection between estrogen-based contraceptives and Vit D levels is not fully understood, but science continues to unravel the complex relationship between the two in the realm of health-and-wellness and nutrition.
