Oral contraceptives, serum folate, and hematologic status

Area of Science:

• Nutritional biochemistry
• Reproductive health

Background:

• Previous studies suggested oral contraceptives may negatively impact folate levels.
• Folate deficiency can lead to anemia and other health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of oral contraceptives on serum folate levels.
• To determine if oral contraceptive use is associated with folate deficiency anemia.

Main Methods:

• Serum folate levels were measured using Lactobacillus casei assay and radioassay.
• Compared folate levels in 526 women, including 280 oral contraceptive users and a control group.
• Assessed for signs of folate deficiency, such as macrocytosis and hypersegmented neutrophils.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in mean serum folate levels between oral contraceptive users and controls.
• No correlation found between serum folate levels and duration of oral contraceptive use.
• Absence of macrocytosis, hypersegmented neutrophils, or macrocytic anemia in oral contraceptive users.

Conclusions:

• Oral contraceptive agents do not appear to cause folate deficiency anemia in otherwise healthy individuals.
• The findings contradict previous suggestions of deleterious effects on folate balance.