You have been taking the pill for years because you do not plan to get pregnant. But did you also know that the pill affects the amount of vitamins and minerals your body can absorb or use?
Research has shown that taking the pill is sometimes associated with low levels of certain vitamins and minerals in our blood.
You usually take the contraceptive pill because you want to prevent pregnancy. Others use it because they find it convenient for regulating or even delaying their periods. For many, the pill is a solution they would prefer not to miss. But what some do not know is that there are also disadvantages associated with this form of hormonal contraception.
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The disadvantages of the contraceptive pill
In addition to side effects that can be associated with taking the pill, such as weight gain, headaches, mood swings, breast tenderness or breakthrough bleeding [1], there are also other disadvantages. The contraceptive pill affects the mineral and vitamin status in your body [2]. You need sufficient nutrients for all the processes in your body, including vitamins and minerals. These are the so-called micronutrients: you do not need much of them, but they are essential for your health. For most vitamins, you cannot produce them yourself, but must obtain them from your diet.
The contraceptive pill and your need for vitamins and minerals
Vitamins B2 and B6, vitamin C and folate (the active form of folic acid) are examples of vitamins that may be present in low amounts in your body when you take the pill for an extended period [2]. This is because absorption is affected or your body's need for the nutrient increases, causing you to use more of it. The absorption of minerals such as zinc and magnesium is also affected by taking the daily pill.
What can you do to get enough nutrients?
Of course, you can consider using another form of contraception. For example, the hormone-free copper IUD or a barrier method such as a condom. If you continue to take the pill, it is important to pay attention to a healthy diet. This ensures that you get enough of all nutrients and that your body has the opportunity to absorb them. If you feel that you could use some support with this, consider a dietary supplement.
Dietary supplements
A dietary supplement gives you that little something extra to complement what you already get from your diet. You might consider a supplement with:
Vitamin C: a versatile vitamin that contributes to various bodily processes. It supports your immune system and healthy skin, helps with fatigue and contributes to your mental resilience. OvaBalance Vitamin C is a high-dose vitamin C supplement supplemented with bioflavonoids and rosehip to support the action of the antioxidant vitamin C.
Zinc: contributes to normal immunity and fertility. Zinc also contributes to the maintenance of healthy skin, normal hair and healthy nails. OvaBalance Essential Mineral Zinc is a highly absorbable zinc supplement that also contains copper.
Multivitamin: OvaBalance Ultimate Multi Mama is OvaBalance's multivitamin. It is aimed at women who want to become pregnant or women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is a very complete multi containing all the nutrients your body needs. It contains both magnesium and zinc, and B vitamins, folate and vitamin C are also well represented in this dietary supplement.
OvaBalance offers dietary supplements with excellent ingredients. We are #obsessedwithquality and only choose the best. All supplements are vegan, lactose- and gluten-free and specially designed for you #madeforyou!
Sources:
1. Contraceptive pill – Side effects and risks – Apotheek.nl
2. Effects of oral contraceptives on nutritional status - L K Massey, M A Davison - Am Fam Physician. 1979 Jan;19(1):119-23.
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