Birth-control pills are taken by millions of women worldwide to prevent pregnancy and to treat or prevent hormonal imbalances. Oral contraceptives reduce levels of some vitamins and minerals, so it becomes necessary for women to take multivitamin supplements in addition to taking oral contraceptives. Consult with your physician before taking oral contraceptives or multivitamin supplements.
Multivitamins
Multivitamins are once-a-day supplements that contains both vitamins and minerals. These supplements are specifically formulated for children, men, women, pregnant women or seniors. Each multivitamin supplement contains a recommended daily allowance of vitamins and minerals tailored to the age group or sex that the vitamin is manufactured for. People take multivitamins as a way to supplement their existing health, to treat vitamin or mineral deficiencies or to prevent deficiencies.
Uses
Women who take birth-control pills still need to take folic acid daily, even if they do not plan to become pregnant, warns WomensHealth.gov. More often than not, pregnancy happens when unexpectedly, and folic acid can help prevent any spinal defects that may occur during pregnancy. It is recommended that every woman consume at least 400 mcg folic acid per day as a way to protect the fetus from these kinds of defects. In addition, women who use birth control in the form of injections, such as that Depo-Provera, may have decreased bone density, and women on the pill may have a decreased intake of B vitamins due to the pill interfering with vitamin B absorption. Therefore, all women on birth control should take a pharmaceutical-grade multivitamin daily.
Warnings
If you experience symptoms such as hives, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, severe abdominal pain or dizziness, contact your physician immediately. These may be symptoms of an allergic reaction to either the birth control or the multivitamin. Normal side effects of taking a multivitamins are headache, abdominal discomfort and a strange taste in the mouth.
Considerations
Use a multivitamin formulated for women. These multivitamins meet your recommended daily allowance of each vitamin and mineral, helping to prevent deficiencies or toxicities. Deficiencies in certain vitamins -- such as B-9, B-12 or minerals such as iron -- can lead to anemia, which can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.
