Oral Contraceptives: Depression Causing Nutrient Depletions, Plus The Herbals That Can Make Them Fail
Oral contraceptives cause key nutrient depletions concerning folic acid, vitamins B2, B6, B12, vitamin C and E and the minerals magnesium, selenium and zinc. [PMID: 23852908]
These nutrients can be replaced by a quality multivitamin/mineral supplement along with magnesium and healthy eating.
Folate: “Because of the reduction in blood folate concentrations associated with the use of oral contraceptives, it is critical for women of childbearing age to continue folate supplementation during oral contraceptive use.” [PMC1862844],
Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 supplementation reduces symptoms of depression in women using oral contraceptives. [PMID: 35109763]
Vitamin C: Plasma levels of Vitamin C are lower in women who take oral contraceptives.
Magnesium: Magnesium levels are lower in women taking oral contraceptives, although researchers are not sure if they should recommend magnesium supplements to all users based on this fact alone. However, population studies estimate that about 60% of adults do not achieve the acceptable dietary intake (ADI) and 45% of Americans are magnesium deficient. [PMC6163803]
Herbal Supplement Interactions
St. John’s Wort: St. John’s Wort reduces the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. [PMID: 14663455]
Caffeine Clearance
Caffeine: Oral contraceptives might decrease caffeine clearance by 40% [PMID: 7022590], so you might find you have problems with green tea or coffee intake because of the caffeine.
When you purchase linked products presented on this page, Supplement Sciences, LLC receives affiliate fees so that our dietitians can continue to create great content.
Thank you for your support!
Suggested Supplements for Oral Contraceptive Users
Why Professionals Choose the Fullscript Formulary
Health professionals know that many online and retail options set a very low bar for quality– sometimes amazingly low. The Fullscript formulary is the most secure online source for the highest quality brands, securely sourced to assure freshness and purity. Here’s what makes Fullscript the best:
Meticulous vetting of brand quality. Meticulous vetting of brand quality. Health professionals trust Fullscript to monitor the quality of every item. While other retailers prioritize profit above all else, Fullscript focuses solely on quality and reliability. Unlike discount stores and large online marketplaces, you won’t find ingredients sourced from China or other questionable suppliers.
Free shipping over $50and best prices when you order through Supplement Sciences.
Wide Selection: Access to the entire Fullscript formulary. Search for the exact brands and products you want.
Easy Sign-up & No Spam Email: Click “View Product” or the button below to be taken to Fullscript’s login page where you can quickly create your secure account with just your name, email, and phone number. Then you will be taken directly to the product page.
Magnesium (glycinate) is a highly bioavailable magnesium chelate, which supports the metabolism and utilization of carbohydrates, amino acids and fats for energy. Magnesium (glycinate) helps activate enzymes for physiological functions including cardiac health.‡ As a dietary supplement, adults take 1 capsule, 1-4 times daily or as directed by your health professional
Although this article discusses supplements in detail, don’t forget that we are absolutely committed to the “Food First” approach to nutrition. When it comes to your health, the totality of your eating habits far surpasses the impact of individual nutrients or any single supplement you consume. Even though this article doesn’t delve into the broader picture of your overall diet, it’s crucial to keep this element at the forefront of our minds. Food is one of the “Pillars of Health”. Your food needs to provide all the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals to nourish your body systems down to the cellular level.
Food choices, rather than supplements, are the most critical factors for a healthy gut microbiome. These trillions of tiny inhabitants in your gut affect your brain waves; they orchestrate your immune system. They possess the power to create molecules that can switch genes on or off and are even capable of synthesizing neurotransmitters. Opting for organic foods and steering clear of plastic packaging (including those labeled BPA-free) is a smart move to limit toxin exposure. The sum of all these parts leads to a powerful conclusion: the ultimate key to your health lies in the quality and balance of the food you consume. Supplements are secondary.
To Sum It Up
Understanding the interactions between oral contraceptives and various nutrients is crucial for maintaining mental health and the effectiveness of the medication. Oral contraceptives can affect the metabolism and absorption of several key nutrients, leading to potential deficiencies and altered drug effectiveness. Being aware of these interactions allows women to take proactive steps, such as adjusting their nutrient intake, to reduce any negative effects.
UNREVISED DRAFT
Oral contraceptives have been linked to lower levels of several nutrients. These include folic acid, vitamins B2, B6, B12, C, and E, along with minerals like magnesium, selenium, and zinc. [PMID: 23852908]
These nutrients can be replaced by a quality multivitamin/mineral supplement along with magnesium and healthy eating.
Folate: “Because of the reduction in blood folate concentrations associated with the use of oral contraceptives, it is critical for women of childbearing age to continue folate supplementation during oral contraceptive use.” [PMC1862844],
Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 supplementation reduces symptoms of depression in women using oral contraceptives. [PMID: 35109763]
Vitamin C: Plasma levels of Vitamin C are lower in women who take oral contraceptives.
Magnesium: Magnesium levels are lower in women taking oral contraceptives, although researchers are not sure if they should recommend magnesium supplements to all users based on this fact alone. However, population studies estimate that about 60% of adults do not achieve the acceptable dietary intake (ADI) and 45% of Americans are magnesium deficient. [PMC6163803]
Herbal Supplement Interactions
St. John’s Wort: St. John’s Wort reduces the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. [PMID: 14663455]
Caffeine Clearance
Caffeine: Oral contraceptives might decrease caffeine clearance by 40% [PMID: 7022590], so you might find you have problems with green tea or coffee intake because of the caffeine.
When you purchase linked products presented on this page, Supplement Sciences, LLC receives affiliate fees so that our dietitians can continue to create great content.
Thank you for your support!
Suggested Supplements for Oral Contraceptive Users
Why Professionals Choose the Fullscript Formulary
Health professionals know that many online and retail options set a very low bar for quality– sometimes amazingly low. The Fullscript formulary is the most secure online source for the highest quality brands, securely sourced to assure freshness and purity. Here’s what makes Fullscript the best:
Meticulous vetting of brand quality. Meticulous vetting of brand quality. Health professionals trust Fullscript to monitor the quality of every item. While other retailers prioritize profit above all else, Fullscript focuses solely on quality and reliability. Unlike discount stores and large online marketplaces, you won’t find ingredients sourced from China or other questionable suppliers.
Free shipping over $50and best prices when you order through Supplement Sciences.
Wide Selection: Access to the entire Fullscript formulary. Search for the exact brands and products you want.
Easy Sign-up & No Spam Email: Click “View Product” or the button below to be taken to Fullscript’s login page where you can quickly create your secure account with just your name, email, and phone number. Then you will be taken directly to the product page.
Magnesium (glycinate) is a highly bioavailable magnesium chelate, which supports the metabolism and utilization of carbohydrates, amino acids and fats for energy. Magnesium (glycinate) helps activate enzymes for physiological functions including cardiac health.‡ As a dietary supplement, adults take 1 capsule, 1-4 times daily or as directed by your health professional
Although this article discusses supplements in detail, don’t forget that we are absolutely committed to the “Food First” approach to nutrition. When it comes to your health, the totality of your eating habits far surpasses the impact of individual nutrients or any single supplement you consume. Even though this article doesn’t delve into the broader picture of your overall diet, it’s crucial to keep this element at the forefront of our minds. Food is one of the “Pillars of Health”. Your food needs to provide all the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals to nourish your body systems down to the cellular level.
Food choices, rather than supplements, are the most critical factors for a healthy gut microbiome. These trillions of tiny inhabitants in your gut affect your brain waves; they orchestrate your immune system. They possess the power to create molecules that can switch genes on or off and are even capable of synthesizing neurotransmitters. Opting for organic foods and steering clear of plastic packaging (including those labeled BPA-free) is a smart move to limit toxin exposure. The sum of all these parts leads to a powerful conclusion: the ultimate key to your health lies in the quality and balance of the food you consume. Supplements are secondary.
To Sum It Up
Understanding how oral contraceptives interact with certain nutrients helps support both mental health and the consistent use of the medication. These medications can change how the body absorbs and uses some nutrients, which may lead to lower levels over time. Knowing this can help women make thoughtful choices about their diet and supplements to help prevent these changes.
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