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Writer's pictureAggie Singh

EFFECT OF ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE ON NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY

Updated: Apr 10, 2023

Singh A. 02 Oct 2022


The birth control system started in the 1960s to prevent unwanted pregnancies also known as the oral contraception pill agent. It had been a relief for many women and/or couples. Over the years oral pills had been surrounded by controversies either due to cultural beliefs. For example, the catholic church sees it as a breach of the 5th commandment: ‘you shall not kill’ or other argument of major health problems in women related to the contraception.


Hence, to understand the effect of the control pill on the organism system it is good to know how birth control works. There are two main bodies when it comes to birth control hormonal and non-hormonal agents.


The difference between those two agents is hormonal control will influence female bodies by altering natural hormones.


There are also different types of hormonal and non-hormonal systems.


The hormonal system can be a combination of hormone estrogen and progestin in a form of:


· the pill

· the patch

· vaginal ring


Grouping of those two hormones is to stop ovulation and change the cervical mucus to make it difficult for the sperm to travel. There is also a


hormonal mini pill that consists of progesterone only.


Its effect is also to protect the egg from sperm reaching it and eventually entering the cell.


The most popular non-hormonal birth control is Copper Intrauterine Devices IUD, a plastic spiral coated in copper which is toxic to the sperm or diaphragm silicon cap inserted through the uterus.


There are quite a few side effects from taking either hormonal or non-hormonal medication. This includes headaches, spotting, bleeding, missed periods, weight gain, mood changes, decreased sex drive, blood clothes, high blood pressure, tumours, cancer, and the less talked about are vitamin depletion or bone mass loss.


Research has shown that thiamine (vitamin B1), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin B12, vitamin C, folic acid and zinc majorly drop in both users of hormonal and non-hormonal birth control. On the contrary vitamin A, vitamin K, copper and iron increased. (Webb J L. 25th Oct 1980)

The complex of vitamin B is responsible for overall good health and plays a major role in the body’s energy level. When looking closely at the effect of vitamin B6 on the overall system one major problem comes to the surface and that is depression, alongside impaired glucose intolerance.



“Vitamins are dietary components which are necessary for life. They play a major role in health and their deficiency may be linked to symptoms of psychiatric disorders. B vitamins are required for proper functioning of the methylation cycle, monoamine oxidase production, DNA synthesis and the repair and maintenance of phospholipids. Vitamin B deficiency could influence memory function, cognitive impairment, and dementia. Vitamins B1, B3, B6, B9 and B12 are essential for neuronal function and deficiencies have been linked to depression. We discuss the causes of depression and the neurochemical pathways in depression. We provide evidence that vitamin B contributes to the complexity of depressive symptoms.” Mikkelsen K. et al (2016)


Furthermore, vitamin C depletion will have a major effect on lower collagen synthesis, which means faster ageing of the skin, bones, cartilage, and major organs.


Finally, when considering birth control hormonal or non-hormonal it is vital to understand its effect on bone mineral density. Bone loss mass has not just affected premature ageing with protein collagen depletion during bone mass loss but if affects our major body functions as well. (Berenson A. et al. May 2004)




In conclusion, while taking a pill for birth control effect it is completely understandable. What is concerning here is the overuse of contraception medication for problems like PCOS, endometriosis, cramps, headaches, or even acne. In those cases, intake of birth control suppresses the root cause of the issue instead of treating the core. One of the pioneer wellness brands Zinzino located in Sweden has come up with a revolutionary development. Zinzino does not only provide the best quality supplementation (an addition to everyday diet) like Omega3 Oil wrapped in protective polyphenols. It also brings down inflammation related to many symptoms mentioned above and balances the Omega3 ratio to Omega6.


Zinzino is the only brand of supplements that provides a blood test, a balance check against body inflammation, a measure of 11 essential fatty acids, heart protection as well as brain health. Therefore, when suffering with inflammation of any kind before reaching out for birth control, why not balance test and treat your system with kindness while avoiding major vitamin depletion.







References:

Webb J L. (25th Oct 1980) online accessed on 02 Oct 2022 available on https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7001015/


Berenson A. et al. (May 2004) Pubmed.gov accessed on 02 Oct 2022 at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15121563/


Mikkelsen K. et al (2016) Pubmed.gov accessed on 02 Oct 2022 at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27655070/


Appendix 1 https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/295370/view/assorted-contraceptive-pills-in-their-packaging

Appendix 2 https://assistinghands.com/68/bostonnw/massachusetts/blog/the-importance-of-senior-vitamins-and-minerals/

Appendix 3 https://zinzino.blog/balancetest-quick-guide/?

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