Deficiency of vitamin B6 in women taking contraceptive formulations

The specific activities (S.A.) of the glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase from erythrocytes (EGOT) of 75 women taking 16 diversified contraceptive formulations were determined by the principle (CAS) of unsaturation and saturation of receptors of the Coenzyme-Apoenzyme-System with the coenzyme, pyridoxal 5'-phosphate. 52 women were not taking pyridoxine; 20 were taking 1-5 mg; 3 were taking 25-100 mg. The mean basal S.A. of the 52 women without pyridoxine was lower (p less than 0.01) than for the 20 on 1-5 mg. The mean basal S.A. for the women on 25-100 mg was higher (p less than 0.01) than for the women without pyridoxine. The mean % deficiency for the women on 25-100 mg was negligible and lower (p less than 0.01) than 18+/-8 for the 52 women, and 14+/-6 for the 20 women. These data indicate that 1-5 mg of pyridoxine is inadequate for women on contraceptives. The requisite daily dosage is projected at 50-100 mg. Other data indicate that 5-12 weeks of supplementation with pyridoxine can be required to reach a stable "ceiling" of S.A. of EGOT. This period indicates some regulatory mechanism by diminished levels of the apoenzyme upon gene expression to bring about normal levels of the transaminase.