Uncovered connection between vitamin D and contraceptives highlighted
Study Reveals Increase in Vitamin D Levels for Women on Estrogen-Based Birth Control
A study conducted by researchers at the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences has found that women taking estrogen-based contraceptives exhibit higher levels of circulating vitamin D. Conversely, those who stop taking these medications experience a significant drop in their vitamin D levels.
The primary role of vitamin D is to maintain a balance in the blood of calcium and phosphorus, minerals vital for bone health. The vitamin also helps the body absorb calcium, a fundamental component of bones. Foods rich in vitamin D include fish and eggs, but approximately 90% of the vitamin is produced naturally in the skin through a chemical reaction after sunlight exposure.
Vitamin D deficiency may result in medical conditions such as rickets and osteomalacia, which causes softening of bones. Given its importance in bone formation, particularly during pregnancy, ensuring adequate vitamin D levels is crucial.
Dr. Quaker E. Harmon, one of the study's researchers, decided to investigate any changes in vitamin D levels linked to oral contraceptive usage. The team carried out a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids (SELF), an investigation into reproductive health. They analyzed data from nearly 1,700 African-American women aged 23-34 residing in and around Detroit, MI.
The study inquired about women's contraceptive usage and asked questions about sun exposure and any vitamin D supplements taken. To determine vitamin D levels, the researchers collected blood samples from 1,662 women to measure the most common circulating form of vitamin D called 25-hydroxy vitamin D.
Dr. Harmon disclosed that their study found women utilizing contraception containing estrogen tended to have higher vitamin D levels. These increased levels remained significant even after controlling for confounding factors such as seasonal exposure to light. Dr. Harmon noted that they could not find any behavioral differences, like increased sun exposure, to account for the increase.
After adjusting for confounding variables, the use of contraceptive pills, patches, or rings containing estrogen was associated with a 20% higher level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D. Current users of birth control displayed higher vitamin D levels, while past users showed average vitamin D levels.
As women plan to become pregnant, the findings suggest that they may be at risk of becoming deficient in vitamin D when stopping birth control use. Dr. Harmon advises women to consider ensuring adequate vitamin D levels during pregnancy planning.
Regarding the mechanism behind the estrogen-based contraception's effect on vitamin D levels, Dr. Harmon mentioned that further study is needed to understand the potential biochemical pathways linking estrogen to vitamin D levels. The study focused on African-American women, but Dr. Harmon believes the observed association is not tied to race, as it has been observed in non-African-American women as well.
Dr. Harmon is continuing her research by following the study's participants to further investigate the relationship between vitamin D levels and contraception. She is also working on another group of participants to examine vitamin D variations across the menstrual cycle.
Insights from the study's findings may lead to improved recommendations for vitamin D intake, particularly for women using estrogen-based contraception, to ensure optimal bone health during pregnancy and beyond.
- The study reveals that women taking estrogen-based contraceptives exhibit higher levels of circulating vitamin D, a vital nutrient essential for bone health.
- The study, conducted by researchers at the National Institutes of Health, shows that a drop in vitamin D levels occurs in women who stop taking estrogen-based contraceptives.
- Vitamin D deficiency, as a result of inadequate levels, may lead to conditions like rickets and osteomalacia, causing softening of bones, a concern particularly during pregnancy.
- The study conducted by Dr. Quaker E. Harmon and her team found that women utilizing contraception containing estrogen tended to have higher vitamin D levels, even after controlling for confounding factors.
- Current users of birth control display higher vitamin D levels, while past users show average vitamin D levels, suggesting a potential risk of deficiency upon stopping contraceptive use.
- As women plan to become pregnant, it may be necessary to ensure adequate vitamin D levels, especially for those using estrogen-based contraception, to maintain optimal bone health during pregnancy and beyond.
