What You Should Know about Birth Control Pills and Vitamin C

Many women take multivitamins or vitamin supplements on a daily basis. If you also take the birth control pill, you might not have thought about how oral contraceptives can interact with your vitamins. Can birth control make Vitamin C less effective? Can Vitamin C make it easier for you to become pregnant while using the birth control pill? Here's what all women using oral contraceptives should know.

Do Birth Control Pills Decrease Vitamin C Effectiveness?

Vitamin C deficiencies have been linked to birth control use, according to Health Services at Columbia University. There is some evidence that women who are using oral contraceptives are less likely to absorb the vitamin. Research has found that birth control pill users have smaller amounts of vitamin C in their blood plasma, platelets, and white blood cells, according to Colorado State University.

The reason oral contraceptives interact with this vitamin is not fully understood, but experts have attributed the cause to estrogen. The estrogen which is found in the pill can decrease the effects of vitamin C in the body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Switching to a progestin-only pill can be ideal for women who are vitamin C deficient.

Is it Necessary to Increase Your Daily Vitamin C Intake?

Women who are using oral contraceptives are not recommended to take a higher dosage of the vitamin than other women, despite the risk of a deficiency. However, it cannot hurt to make sure your diet consists of foods which are rich in vitamin C. Strawberries, oranges, kiwi, broccoli, cauliflower, cantaloupes, and bell peppers are all excellent sources.

Can Vitamin C Affect Birth Control Pill Effectiveness?

Despite minimal research, it is believed that high dosages of vitamin C may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, according to Columbia Health Services. As long as you are following the daily recommendations, it is unlikely you will be more likely to become pregnant while using oral contraceptives, however. The vitamin can interact with your pill in other ways, though.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, vitamin C can cause estrogen level increases in birth control users who are already deficient in this vitamin. This is worrisome because too much estrogen can cause symptoms like weight gain and mood swings. It is also a risk factor for ovarian cysts and breast cancer.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that it is best to stick to daily vitamin C recommendations. Taking the daily recommended dosage and including foods which are rich in the vitamin in your diet can help prevent deficiency. It is also important to avoid taking more than the daily recommended amount to reduce the risk of increased estrogen levels.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. Anyone who is concerned about their health should seek medical attention from a licensed healthcare professional.

Sources:
Colorado State University
Columbia University
University of Maryland Medical Center