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Multivitamin supplementation in oral contraceptive users.
P N Mooij1, C M Thomas, W H Doesburg
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Academic Hospital St Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Contraception
|September 1, 1991
Summary
Oral contraceptives (OC) affect vitamin A and B12 levels, but multivitamin and folic acid supplementation benefits are similar for OC users and non-users. Supplementation is not essential for healthy young women but may benefit those with critical vitamin needs.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Pharmacology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Oral contraceptives (OC) are widely used by women of reproductive age.
- The impact of OC on vitamin status requires further investigation.
- Understanding vitamin dynamics during OC use is crucial for maintaining optimal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of oral contraceptives (OC) on vitamin A, B2, B12, C, and folate levels.
- To evaluate the impact of multivitamin and folic acid supplementation on these vitamin levels in OC users and non-users.
- To determine if OC use alters the efficacy of multivitamin supplementation.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 59 non-pregnant female volunteers, divided into OC users (28) and non-users (31).
- Vitamins A, B2 (riboflavin, FMN, FAD), B12, C, and folate were measured in serum and red blood cells over four cycles.
- Multivitamin and folic acid supplementation was administered from the second cycle onwards.
Main Results:
- OC users showed significantly higher vitamin A and lower vitamin B12 levels compared to non-users.
- Baseline vitamin levels (B2, C, folate) did not differ significantly between groups before supplementation.
- Multivitamin and folic acid supplementation significantly increased vitamin levels (excluding A and B12) in both groups, with similar effects observed across groups.
Conclusions:
- Oral contraceptive use influences vitamin A and B12 status.
- Multivitamin and folic acid supplementation effects are comparable in OC users and non-users.
- Supplementation is not generally recommended for healthy young women using OC, but may be considered for those with specific vitamin deficiencies or increased folate requirements.