NUTRITION AND BIRTH CONTROL PILLS

The birth control pill causes changes in your body which can
reduce its ability to use certain vitamins and minerals.  These
changes mean you will absorb Vitamins B6, B12, C and Folic Acid
differently while taking birth control pills.  Your increased
nutritional needs can be met through good food choices.

If you do not get enough of these vitamins each day, there is
a chance that your body may become deficient in one or more
of these nutrients.  You may notice some side effects from
vitamin or mineral deficiency.  Here is a list of
vitamins/minerals which are important to get enough of when on
birth control pills:

Vitamin B6:  If you are lacking Vitamin B6 in your diet, it can
cause depression, fatigue, nervous tension and moodiness. Food
sources of B6 include meats, fish, cooked dry beans, eggs, nuts,
dark green leafy vegetables and whole grains.

Folic Acid (Folacin):  A Folic Acid deficiency can cause anemia,
depression, nervous tension and fatigue.  Food sources are meats,
corn, fish, whole grains, cooked dry beans, peas and spinach.

Vitamin C:  If you are lacking Vitamin C in your diet, it can
cause difficulty fighting off infections, bleeding gums or gum
disease, difficulty in healing wounds and bruises.  Food sources
include citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruit), strawberries, green
peppers, tomatoes, potatoes and broccoli.

Vitamin B12:  A Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anemia, weakness
and changes in the nervous system.  Food sources include meat,
milk, eggs and cheese.  Strict vegetarians need a Vitamin B12
supplement daily.

Zinc:  A mineral which may be decreased in the body with birth
control pill use.  A deficiency of Zinc may cause difficulty in
healing wounds, hair loss and skin changes such as acne.  Food
sources with Zinc are liver, oysters, beef, whole grain breads
and cereals and dairy products.

Medical opinion varies on the increased dietary needs for Vitamin
B1 and B2 when a woman is on the birth control pill.  If you are
experiencing any of these symptoms, you are not necessarily
deficient in a nutrient.  There are two ways of determining if
there is a relationship between your symptoms and nutrition. You
may wish to have a physical examination by a physician, or you
may have your present diet analyzed by a registered dietician.


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