When it comes to contraception, many women choose to take birth control pills. However, long-term use of birth control pills can have many side effects, particularly leading to nutritional deficiencies. When customers purchase birth control pills, store staff often recommend Vitamin C, but what other nutrients should be supplemented?
1. Vitamin B6
It is now well established that birth control pills affect the metabolism of Vitamin B6.
Women using combined oral contraceptives may experience a decrease in Vitamin B6 levels in their blood, leading to a higher risk of Vitamin B6 deficiency.
Common symptoms of Vitamin B6 deficiency include peripheral neuropathy, characterized by loss of sensation and weakness in the distal limbs, as well as central nervous system symptoms, which may manifest as depression, agitation, and confusion.
If you are taking birth control pills, you should pay attention to consuming more foods rich in Vitamin B6, such as grains, vegetables, meat, eggs, and dairy products.If deficiency has already occurred, a certain dosage of Vitamin B6 should be taken according to medical advice to correct it.
2. Vitamin B12
Birth control pills can also lower the concentration of Vitamin B12 in the blood.
Vitamin B12 is essential for the blood formation process, and a deficiency can affect hematopoietic function.
Foods rich in Vitamin B12 include: animal organs, milk powder, shellfish, fish, crabs, and egg yolks.
Women who frequently use birth control pills should pay attention to consuming these foods, and if deficiency has occurred, Vitamin B12 should be administered via intramuscular injection to improve levels.
3. Folic Acid
The folic acid content in the blood of women taking birth control pills often decreases, primarily because birth control pills inhibit the folate-binding enzyme in the duodenal mucosa.
This enzyme is necessary for the intestinal absorption of folic acid, and its deficiency can affect folic acid absorption.
Folic acid also plays an important role in the production of red blood cells, so some women may experience anemia while taking birth control pills.
In addition to causing metabolic disorders of certain nutrients in the body, birth control pills may also lead to adverse reactions such as menstrual irregularities and breast tenderness, which should be noted.
Disclaimer: The above information is sourced from joint medication platforms and is shared for public welfare purposes only. It does not constitute any position, investment advice, business reference, or medication guidance. The article does not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information and does not bear any legal responsibility for any consequences arising from the use of the information.