study findings link estrogen-based contraceptives and increased vitamin D levels
Discovered link between vitamin D and contraception intrigues research community.
Researchers at the National Institutes of Health have discovered a correlation between estrogen-based contraceptives and higher levels of circulating vitamin D in women. Conversely, those who discontinue the use of these birth control methods may experience a significant drop in their vitamin D levels.
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining proper calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood. The nutrient also aids in calcium absorption, an essential element for bone health, and can be found plentifully in foods like fish and eggs. However, approximately 90% of the body's vitamin D is produced naturally via a chemical reaction following exposure to sunlight.
A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to the development of conditions such as rickets and osteomalacia, which cause bones to soften. Considering vitamin D's importance in bone formation, particularly during pregnancy, the research team set out to examine any potential changes associated with taking oral contraceptives.
The researchers conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids (SELF). The project focused on 1,662 African-American women, aged 23-34, living in and around Detroit, MI. Participants were asked about their contraceptive use and any time spent outdoors, as well as if they took vitamin D supplements.
According to Dr. Quaker E. Harmon of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the study revealed that women who utilized contraception containing estrogen tended to have higher vitamin D levels than their peers. These findings remained significant even after accounting for confounding factors like exposure to light.
"We could not find any behavioral differences such as increased time spent outdoors to explain the increase," said Dr. Harmon. "Our findings suggest that contraceptives containing estrogen tend to boost vitamin D levels, and those levels are likely to fall when women cease using contraception."
Adjustments for confounding variables indicated that contraceptive pills, patches, or rings containing estrogen were linked to 20 percent higher levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D. Current users of these birth control methods had elevated vitamin D levels, while past users maintained average levels.
Dr. Harmon encourages women who intend to discontinue using birth control to take measures to sustain adequate vitamin D levels during pre-conception and pregnancy stages to mitigate potential deficiencies.
When asked about the relationship between estrogen and vitamin D, Dr. Harmon noted, "We do not know why vitamin D levels are higher. Other work suggests that the levels of other vitamin D metabolites are changed when women use estrogen-containing contraception. This suggests that there may be alterations in the metabolism of vitamin D. Further work is needed."
The current study isolated African-American women. While Dr. Harmon acknowledged the possibility that race might play a role in this effect, she believes it is unlikely and highlighted that African-American women are more prone to vitamin D deficiency in the United States.
In the future, Dr. Harmon plans to continue following the study participants to further investigate the interaction between estrogen and vitamin D and how vitamin D varies throughout the menstrual cycle. Additionally, she is working on a new group of participants to explore factors affecting vitamin D levels in various demographic groups.
- The study findings suggest that contraceptives containing estrogen may boost vitamin D levels in women, a nutrient crucial for maintaining health and wellness.
- According to the research, a significant drop in vitamin D levels may occur when women discontinue the use of estrogen-based contraceptives, which could potentially lead to deficiencies.
- The study, conducted by researchers at the National Institutes of Health, revealed that women who utilize contraception containing estrogen tend to have higher levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D compared to their peers.
- Dr. Quaker E. Harmon, from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, encourages women planning to discontinue birth control to take measures to sustain adequate vitamin D levels, particularly during pre-conception and pregnancy stages.
- Further research is needed to understand the relationship between estrogen and vitamin D, and the potential changes in vitamin D metabolism when using estrogen-containing contraception.
- Given the increased risk of vitamin D deficiency among African-American women in the United States, it would be beneficial to explore factors affecting vitamin D levels in various demographic groups in the future.
