Riboflavin deficiency in women taking oral contraceptive agents

Area of Science:

• Nutritional biochemistry
• Public health
• Reproductive health

Background:

• Riboflavin deficiency is a significant concern in women of child-bearing age, particularly in lower socioeconomic populations.
• Oral contraceptive agents (OCA) are widely used, necessitating an understanding of their impact on nutrient status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of oral contraceptive agents (OCA) on the riboflavin nutritional status of women of child-bearing age from a low socioeconomic background.
• To determine if OCA use exacerbates riboflavin deficiency in this demographic.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study design was employed, with a control group using alternative contraception.
• Riboflavin deficiency was assessed using erythrocyte glutathione reductase activity, a validated biochemical marker.
• Dietary intake and clinical conditions affecting nutrient status were controlled for.

Main Results:

• A higher prevalence of riboflavin deficiency was observed in OCA users (24/56) compared to the control group (11/100).
• The frequency of deficiency increased with the duration of OCA use, with 13/17 users for 3+ years showing deficiency.
• No significant dietary differences were found between the OCA users and the control group.

Conclusions:

• Riboflavin deficiency is a prevalent issue among women of child-bearing age in lower socioeconomic strata.
• The use of oral contraceptive agents significantly aggravates the prevalence and severity of riboflavin deficiency in this population.