Birth control pills contain a mixture of reproductive hormones -- typically estrogen and progesterone -- that interact with the female reproductive system to prevent pregnancy. A woman taking the birth control pill ingests the hormone pills daily for three-week cycles, introducing different quantities of hormones into her body to affect her fertility. While birth control pills represent a safe and effective method of contraception for many women, the hormones in the pills may interact with other chemicals in her body, including vitamins.
Vitamin C
One vitamin that may interact with some birth control pills is vitamin C, or ascorbic acid. According to Go Ask Alice at Columbia University, consuming vitamin C supplements may affect the efficacy of your birth control, though the effect of this vitamin on contraceptive pills is not yet fully understood. Women taking birth control pills may also face an increased risk of vitamin C deficiency. Consume vitamin C via dietary sources -- like citrus fruits -- and consult your physician before you take supplements containing vitamin C if you take birth control pills.
Vitamin B
Birth control pills may also interact with some B-vitamins, according to the University of Alaska Anchorage. Taking the pill may decrease the levels of several B-vitamins in your system, including vitamins B-12, B-6, B-2 and B-1. These vitamins support your metabolism and help to maintain your skin, liver and eyes. If you're concerned about B-vitamin deficiencies while taking birth control pills, talk to your doctor about the potential benefits of vitamin supplements.
Vitamin A
Another vitamin that may interact with birth control pills is vitamin A, or retinol. Taking birth control may increase the amounts of vitamin A in your system, according to the University of Alaska, potentially increasing your risk of vitamin A toxicity. If you take vitamin A supplements and want to begin taking the birth control pill, discuss the safety of your vitamin supplement with your doctor. If you begin to develop signs of vitamin A toxicity, such as headaches, scaly dry skin and dizziness, seek medical attention.
Retinoids and Birth Control
While not a direct interaction between the chemicals in vitamins and birth control pills, taking some vitamin-based drugs can affect your need for birth control and the birth control pill. Women taking drugs containing synthetic vitamin A, called retinoids, must use two forms of birth control, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Retinoids affect embryonic development, and taking these drugs during pregnancy can cause birth defects. If you take retinoids, you may also wish to consider taking birth control pills as one form of birth control, to help prevent pregnancy.
