Do you often suffer from a lack of energy and drive, tiredness and mood swings, even depression, but can’t find a real cause? Many women suffer from these complaints, and something many of them have in common is that they use hormonal oral contraceptives (commonly known as the birth control pill). It is this little pill that can be responsible for the various symptoms described. Something many women, and even doctors, do not know is that the pill can cause a deficiency in a number of essential vitamins and trace elements. This is not surprising, as hormones generally have a systemic effect on the whole body. In the long term, chronic nutrient deficiencies can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings and even depression, nausea and weight gain.
B vitamins – central to energy and nerve metabolism
B vitamins are central to energy metabolism and are also needed for the normal functioning of the nervous system. A lack of these vitamins can lead to a lack of energy and drive, tiredness, mood swings and even depression. The pill is considered to be a real nutrient thief, especially when it comes to the B vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid, which is why experts recommend targeted supplementation. For example, according to one study, taking extra vitamin B6 can significantly reduce the unpleasant side effects of the pill, such as mood swings, in many women1). The three B vitamins are also involved in the formation of red blood cells, which underlines the importance of an adequate supply of B vitamins. Severe forms of vitamin B deficiency can lead to anaemia in the long term (vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia, folic acid deficiency anaemia). A well-functioning immune system also depends on an adequate supply of these three B vitamins.
Increased risk of thrombosis
Thrombosis is a blockage of a blood vessel that can have a variety of causes and can occur in different parts of the body. One cause can be excessive levels of homocysteine in the blood. Homocysteine is a breakdown product of amino acids, i.e. protein building blocks, that is constantly produced during cell metabolism. This substance has vascular-damaging properties, which can subsequently lead to vascular calcification and blockage of blood vessels (= blood clots/thrombosis). This is where the three vitamins B6, B12 and folic acid come into the game. Together, they are responsible for the breakdown of this vascular toxin. Pundits link their deficiency to the often-described increased risk of thrombosis when taking oral contraceptives. They therefore recommend supplementation with these vitamins. The Pill Report by the University of Bremen in cooperation with a German health insurance showed a significant increase in the risk of thrombosis, especially with the newer 3rd and 4th generation pills.2)
Folate deficiency – critical if you want to have children in the future
A link between the use of hormonal oral contraceptives and a reduced level of folate in the blood serum was suspected as early as the 1960s, and in the following years this link was confirmed in several studies3). Folate levels did not return to normal until 3 months after stopping the pill. This is very important because folic acid is a key vitamin during pregnancy. Experts recommend taking folic acid supplements 4 weeks before conception. If you decide to become pregnant and stop taking the pill, the undetected folate deficiency caused by the pill can have a devastating effect on the development of your future baby. The best known consequence of folic acid deficiency during pregnancy is neural tube defects, such as open spina bifida.
Women who use a birth control pill benefit in many ways from a targeted, comprehensive and scientifically based compensation of nutrient deficiencies.