Birth control pills, also called "the pill," are a prescription medication that contain higher levels of hormones than a woman's body naturally produces. When taken as directed, they prevent the ovary from releasing an egg, thus preventing pregnancy. According to a publication from Colorado State University, there has been much research about the health and nutritional effects on women who take birth control pills. This research includes Vitamin B2 and B6, among other essential vitamins and minerals.
Features
The effects of the hormones in birth control pills have been shown to reach far beyond preventing ovulation. A publication by Colorado State University indicates that most of the research to date has focused on comparing the levels of various vitamins and minerals in the blood of birth control pill users and non-users. However, because these tests are not extremely sensitive, it is hard to draw finite conclusions. What the research has agreed on is that birth control pills do cause a depletion in numerous vitamins and minerals.
Significance
Elson Haas, MD, has gone so far as to state that birth control pills are simultaneously the most effective and the most hazardous form of contraception. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that all women taking birth control pills request a government issued pamphlet explaining the uses, benefits and risks of birth control pills, few women do so. According to Hopkins Health Watch, one key function of Vitamin B is protection against cervical dysplasia, the abnormal cell growth detected by a pap smear.
Prevention/Solution
The Hopkins Health Watch suggests that women avoid taking birth control pills. However, for those who must use this form of contraception, they suggest ensuring an additional 50 mg of vitamin B6 and 200 mcg of folic acid daily to counteract the negative effects of "the pill." It is important to eat foods rich in Vitamin B including fish, poultry, whole grains, potatoes and dark leafy green vegetables.
Considerations
The research being done about the nutritional impacts of birth control pills also focuses on folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, zinc, magnesium, and copper. It is also important to supplement these nutrients in your diet while taking birth control pills.
Expert Insight
J.E. Anderson, Colorado State University Extension's foods and nutrition specialist and a professor in food science and human nutrition, states that there is no conclusive evidence that taking birth control pills alters a woman's nutritional requirements. This general statement is based on the assumption that women taking the pill also have adequate/healthy diets. Anderson indicates that for women who do not have adequate/healthy diets, taking birth control pills will worsen the nutritional problems already present. Anderson furthers this point by stating that this is particularly true for women who have inadequate diets and become pregnant soon after they stop taking birth control pills. Anderson recommends that women taking any birth control pills not smoke and aim to have a diet rich in a variety of foods.
