Aside from the long list of potential side
effects birth control pills can deplete important nutrients.
These nutrients include: Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid,
Vitamin C, Magnesium and Zinc.
According to Elson Haas, MD, birth control pills (BCPs) are both the most
effective and the most hazardous form of contraception. Preventing pregnancy in
this way is done by taking an oral dose of a combination of the hormones
estrogen and progestin (synthetic progesterone) in amounts higher than the
body's natural levels. This prevents the pituitary hormones that stimulate
ovulation and fertilization of the egg from being released, and thus prevents
pregnancy.
Though taking oral contraceptives regularly is 99 percent effective in birth
control, there are many possible side effects. Weight gain, emotional swings,
circulatory and vascular symptoms, and gastrointestinal upset are not uncommon.
Blood clots, liver problems, and cancer are also possible, though relatively
rare; these were more common in the 1960s with the higher-dose pills. Many women
have difficulty with oral contraceptives, though many others seem to tolerate
them well. The use of birth control pills is more common in young women and
teenagers, which adds another dimension of uncertainty regarding the nutritional
effects of these drugs.
Oral contraceptives may create certain nutrient deficiencies and excesses as
well as increase the nutritional needs of the user. Most of the B vitamins,
particularly pyridoxine (B6) and folic acid, are needed in higher amounts when
birth control pills are taken. The copper level usually rises, and zinc levels
often fall. Thus, more zinc is needed as well. An increased need for vitamins C,
E, and K may also result from the use of birth control pills.
In Nutrition and Vitamin Therapy, Michael Lesser, M.D., points out that birth
control pills cause an alkaline imbalance in the vagina that may lead to
increased susceptibility to infection. Extra ascorbic acid, 1-2 grams per day,
may help balance the acid environment and prevent this problem. He and other
authors also suggest that the increased blood levels of copper generated by oral
contraceptive use may contribute to depression and emotional symptoms;
additional manganese and zinc may reverse these symptoms. Sharon DeBuren, nurse
practitioner and nutritionist, adds that the depression from BCPs is also a
neurochemical reaction to artificial steroids (female hormones), and from a lack
of a women's own superior hormones, estradiol and natural progesterone secreted
with ovulation. Iron levels may also rise, and less iron may be required because
the pills often reduce the amount of menstrual blood loss, as well.
Because BCPs are metabolized by the liver before being eliminated, a diet low in
other liver irritants is suggested. Alcohol, cocaine, and other drugs,
pesticides and preservative chemicals in food, as well as fried foods should be
avoided. Cutting down on refined foods and sugary treats is also suggested;
these foods are "empty" calories and may cause further nutrient depletion.
Avoiding nicotine and fried foods is also a good idea to prevent further
vascular irritation. Teenage girls on "the pill" must also be particularly
careful to avoid nutritional deficiencies, and all would be well advised to take
a supportive nutritional supplement. Adequate intake of the antioxidant
nutrients, such as vitamins C and E, selenium, and beta-carotene, can help
reduce potential toxicity of oral contraceptives. The herb, milk thistle,
contains silymarin and may be especially helpful.
A high-nutrient diet is the best prevention for problems. Low-fat protein levels
and nutritious foods such as whole grains, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are also
important. Eating lots of vegetables is the best way to prevent many mineral
deficits and also maintain weight. And several teaspoons of cold-pressed
vegetable oil, particularly olive oil, should also be used daily to ensure the
intake of the essential fatty acids. All of the above-mentioned foods, along
with protein intake from such foods as eggs, fish, poultry, dairy foods, and
legumes, is a sensible approach. In addition to the usual female adult or
teenage levels, if taking oral contraceptives it is recommended that intake of
the following nutrients be increased to the levels listed:
Nutrient Daily Amounts (in 1 or 2 doses)
Vitamin B6 50-100 mg.
Vitamin B12 50-200 mcg.
Folic acid 600-800 mcg.
Vitamin E 400-600 IU
Vitamin C 1-3 g.
Zinc 20-40 mg.
Other B vitamins can also be increased to higher levels, such as an additional
25 mg. of each, to balance out the B complex. More antioxidants can also help
reduce the deleterious effects of the drugs. These include beta-carotene,
selenium, and possibly amino acid L-cysteine to complement the additional
vitamins C and E.
Copper intake in supplements should be limited to 1 mg., though the increased
zinc intake will help lower copper levels. Whole grains, nuts, seeds, and
vegetables will ensure that copper requirements are met. Iron supplements may be
decreased somewhat with use of birth control pills unless the menstrual periods
are heavy or there is anemia. Iron needs are probably reduced from the usual 18
mg. to around 12-15 mg per day. All of these values can be checked occasionally
by blood biochemistry profiles or evaluation of mineral levels to ensure proper
individualized care.
Nutrient Program for Oral Contraceptives
Water 1½-3 qt.
Vitamin A 5,000-10,000 IUs
Calcium* 600-1,000 mg.
Beta-carotene 10,000-20,000 IUs
Chromium 200-400 mcg.
Vitamin D 200-400 IUs
Copper 1-2 mg.
Vitamin E 400-600 IUs
Iron 15-20 mg.
Thiamine (B1) 25-50 mg.
Magnesium* 400-600 mg.
Riboflavin (B2) 25-50 mg.
Manganese 5-10 mg.
Niacin or niacinamide (B3) 25-50 mg.
Molybdenum 150-300 mcg.
Pantothenic acid (B5) 50-250 mg.
Phosphorus 600-800 mg.
Pyridoxine(B6) 25-200 mg.
Potassium 1-2 g.
Cobalamin (B12) 50-200 mcg.
Selenium 150-300 mcg.
Folic acid 600-800 mcg.
Zinc 30-60 mg.
Biotin 200-400 mcg.
PABA 25-50 mg.
Fatty acids, olive, or Flaxseed oils 1-2 teaspoons
Vitamin C 1-3 g.
http://www.leaflady.org/bcpillnutrition.htm