Contraceptives and Nutrition

Metabolic research indicates better nutrition always helps.

Biochemical changes have been shown to occur with use of oral contraceptives, but actual clinical signs of nutritional deficiency are rare.

Oral contraceptives have been widely used since the sixties. With the widespread use of these medications, there has been much interest in the possible effects of oral contraceptives on nutritional status.

The oral contraceptives in common use contain varying proportions of estrogens and progestogens. The metabolic effects of these medications are similar in some respects to those of pregnancy.

Numerous studies have been done on the metabolic changes occurring from the use of oral contraceptives, but these reports have often been contradictory. Biochemical changes have been shown to occur with use of oral contraceptives, but actual clinical signs of nutritional deficiency are rare.

Changes vary with individuals.

The biochemical changes are more likely to be seen in women whose nutritional status is poor rather than in those who are well-nourished. Some of these changes include both increases and decreases in body concentrations of nutrients.

Considerable emphasis has been placed on Vitamin B-6 for oral contraceptive users. Alterations in the metabolism of Vitamin B-6 have been shown to occur in some women using oral contraceptives. However, the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Research Council did not recommend increasing the recommended dietary allowance of Vitamin B-6 for oral contraceptive users in the most recent revision of these guidelines.

Diet is important.

Evidence indicates that the changes observed in the metabolism of Vitamin B-6 and other nutrients in contraceptive users can be reversed by improvement of diet alone. Routine supplements of Vitamin B-6 and other nutrients do not seem to be justified.

Foods eaten in the recommended amounts from the basic food groups including milk, meat, poultry, fish and beans, breads and cereals, and fruits and vegetables will provide the nutrients needed for good health.

For more information on nutrition and health, contact your local county Extension office.