Unveiled connection between vitamin D and contraceptive methods discovered
revised Article:
Sunshine Hormone and Pill Poppers
Boosting sunshine vitamin, aka vitamin D, ain't always as simple as lazing out under the sun. A recent study suggests that women on estrogen-based birth control pills may have a leg up regarding vitamin D levels, while those stopping their pill-poppin' may see a drop.
Vit D, the bone's best buddy, keeps calcium and phosphorous levels in check while helping the body absorb calcium, building stronger bones. Foods like fish and eggs, rich in vitamin D, are great sources, but guess what? Around 90 percent of our D is produced in the skin through a chemical reaction after sun exposure.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets in kiddos and osteomalacia (soft bones) in adults. It's crucial during pregnancy, too, as it supports the growth of the baby's skeleton.
Curious about the vitamin D-contraception connection, Dr. Quaker E. Harmon of the National Institutes of Health decided to investigate. The research team analyzed data from the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids (SELF), asking almost 1,700 African-American women in Detroit, MI, aged 23-34 about their birth control use and sunshine hours.
In total, 1,662 women gave a blood sample, and their vitamin D levels, measured in 25-hydroxy vitamin D, were assessed. The study found that women using birth control containing estrogen had higher D levels than others, even after controlling for confounding factors like sun exposure.
"It seems that contraceptives containing estrogen boost vitamin D levels, and those levels drop once women stop using them," stated Dr. Harmon.
Interestingly, the study revealed that, after accounting for confounding variables, estrogen-based contraceptives, pills, patches, or rings, were associated with 20% higher levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D.
Current users of birth control had higher levels of vitamin D, while past users showed average levels.
If you're planning to conceive or are pregnant, it's worth keeping an eye on your vitamin D levels. To learn more about the importance of vitamin D, especially during pregnancy, check out our article on the topic.
We asked Dr. Harmon why estrogen-based contraception affects vitamin D levels, and she explained, "There may be alterations in the metabolism of vitamin D." The research team is currently investigating this link further, exploring how vitamin D levels change across the menstrual cycle.
It's important to note that the study focused solely on African-American women, and Dr. Harmon believes the association is not related to race. In the United States, African-American women are more likely to be vitamin D-deficient, so small increases or decreases in vitamin D concentrations may be more apparent.
- Women's health is significantly influenced by nutrient intake, with vitamins like Vitamin D playing crucial roles.
- The study on sunshine vitamin (Vitamin D) and contraceptives revealed that women using estrogen-based birth control pills, patches, or rings, had 20% higher levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D.
- The science of health and wellness indicates that vitamin D deficiencies can lead to health issues such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, and it's especially important during pregnancy.
- It's essential to keep an eye on vitamin D levels, particularly for those planning to conceive or currently pregnant, as lower levels can affect women's health and the growth of the baby's skeleton.
- In the realm of nutrition, Vitamin D is a nutrient vital for maintaining bone health by keeping calcium and phosphorus levels in check, and promoting bone growth.
- After discontinuing the use of estrogen-based contraception, women may observe a drop in their vitamin D levels, highlighting the interplay between birth control and nutrient absorption.
