Many women take the pill as it is the most effective birth control method, however studies suggest that it depletes vital nutrients including: Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Magnesium and Zinc. B vitamins effect our nervous system and our ability to manage stress levels, mood, red blood cell production and healthy growth and development.
According to Elson Haas, MD, birth control pills (BCPs) are both the most effective and the most hazardous form of contraception.
Preventing pregnancy in this way is done by taking an oral dose of a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin (synthetic progesterone) in amounts higher than the body’s natural levels. This prevents the pituitary hormones that stimulate ovulation and fertilization of the egg from being released, and thus prevents pregnancy.
There are many reported side effects of the contraceptive pill although people react differently to it and some may not experience any reaction at all. Some women report weight gain, emotional swings, circulatory and vascular symptoms, and gastrointestinal upset are not uncommon. Blood clots, liver problems, and cancer are also possible, though relatively rare; these were more common in the 1960s with the higher-dose pills.
Oral contraceptives may create certain nutrient deficiencies and excesses as well as increase the nutritional needs of the user. Most of the B vitamins, particularly pyridoxine (B6) and folic acid, are needed in higher amounts when birth control pills are taken. The copper level usually rises, and zinc levels often fall. Thus, more zinc is needed as well. An increased need for vitamins C, E, and K may also result from the use of birth control pills.
Eating well with a balanced and high-nutrient diet is the best prevention for the associated problems. Low-fat protein levels and nutritious foods such as whole grains, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are also important. Eating lots of vegetables is the best way to prevent many mineral deficits and also maintain weight. And several teaspoons of cold-pressed vegetable oil, particularly olive oil, should also be used daily to ensure the intake of the essential fatty acids. All of the above-mentioned foods, along with protein intake from such foods as eggs, fish, poultry, dairy foods, and legumes, is a sensible approach. In addition to the usual female adult or teenage levels, if taking oral contraceptives it is recommended that intake of the following nutrients be increased to the levels listed:
Nutrient Daily Amounts (in 1 or 2 doses)
Vitamin B6 50-100 mg.
Vitamin B12 50-200 mcg.
Folic acid 600-800 mcg.
Vitamin E 400-600 IU
Vitamin C 1-3 g.
Zinc 20-40 mg.
For more info on this matter please visit: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1862844/
