Birth control pills prevent pregnancy by altering a woman's hormonal rhythm so she does not ovulate. The pills can have interactions with vitamins and mineral levels in the blood; however, women who take oral birth control pills should still be able to get all the nutrients they need from a balanced diet.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is necessary for strong connective tissue, wound healing and normal immune system function. According to 2011 information from the University of Maryland Medical Center, supplemental vitamin C can cause estrogen levels to rise. Birth controls pill can decrease the effectiveness of vitamin C. As of the date of publication, the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies has not changed the daily vitamin C requirements for women who take birth control pills.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that your body can store in adipose tissue. It is important for vision, cell division and differentiation, reproduction and normal bone growth. According to 2010 information from Colorado State University, vitamin A levels are often higher in women who take birth control pills, but that doesn't necessarily indicate women who take birth controls actually store more vitamin A.
B Vitamins
The B complex vitamins are necessary for metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats; and for the creation of blood cells. According to 2010 information from Colorado State University, birth control pills may be associated with folate deficiency, can make riboflavin deficiency worse, and will alter the chemical form of vitamin B6. As of the date of publication, the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies has not changed the daily recommendation for any B vitamins based on use of birth control.
Iron
Your body needs iron to transport oxygen throughout the body and is necessary for cell differentiation, and an iron deficiency can cause anemia. According to 2007 information from the Office of Dietary Supplements of the National Institutes of Health, women who take birth control pills may be less likely to suffer from iron deficiency anemia when they experience lighter menstrual periods.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: "Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)"
- Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health: "Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Iron"
- Colorado State University: "Nutrition and Oral Contraceptives"
- Institute of Medicine of the National Academies: "Dietary Reference Intakes: Vitamins"
