Contraception (Birth Control) and Family Planning PubHealthInfo

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PubHealth.info® (a subsidiary of PakMed) presents scientific information mainly based on abstracts of articles published on a variety of public health issues/topics, particularly encompassing population planning, disease prevention, maternal and child health, and communicable and non-communicable diseases (like HIV AIDS, malaria, etc) that are affecting a significant portion of population in developing and developed countries. Here you can find abstracts of articles published on a variety of public health topics under category "Contraception (Birth Control) and Family Planning". Contraception (birth control) is a regimen of one or more actions, devices, or medications followed in order to deliberately prevent or reduce the likelihood of a woman becoming pregnant or giving birth. Therefore contraception is the utilization of various and sundry surgical procedures, devices, practices, agents, or drugs with the intention of preventing conception or impregnation (pregnancy). Methods and intentions typically termed birth control may be considered a pivotal ingredient to family planning. Birth control is a controversial political and ethical issue in many cultures and religions, and although it is generally less controversial than abortion specifically.

YEAR: 1991

CATEGORY: Contraception (Birth Control) and Family Planning

TITLE

Folic acid and vitamin deficiency caused by oral contraceptives. [Folsaure-

und Vitaminmangel durch orale Kontrazeptiva.]

AUTHORS

Bielenberg J

SOURCE

MEDIZINISCHE MONATSSCHRIFT FUR PHARMAZEUTEN. 1991 Aug;14(8):244-7.

ABSTRACT

Recently there have been reports that long-term use of estrogen- containing oral contraceptives (OCs) can induce

folic acid and vitamin B deficiency which can lead to hematopoiesis. The symptoms are paleness, forgetfulness,

sleeplessness, and euphoric and depressive states. This deficiency occurs when serum folic content falls below 8

nmol/1 or 3 ng/ml. According to a nutrition group blood folic acid level declined up to 40% in patients taking OCs. In

a Sri Lanka study of healthy women aged 20-45 taking Ovulen 50 (.05 mg of ethinyl estradiol and 1 mg of ethynodiol

diacetate) folic acid level dropped in the 1st 6 months stabilizing at 2.2 ng/ml in those from the lowest social

classes and at 2.9 ng/ml in those from privileged classes. Prophylactic substitution of folic acid in the diet was

recommended by WHO, but it is less effective since it appears in the diet as polyglutamate that has to be broken

down to absorbable monoglutamate. A US study found that taking OCs for 60 months resulted in a 40% reduction of

the vitamin B12 serum level, while vitamin B12 concentrations in erythrocytes and peripheral blood stayed normal.

Vitamin B12 helps recover tetrahydrofolic acid from N-methyltetrahydrofolic acid. Possibly this is another

manifestation of OC-induced folic acid hypovitaminosis. OCs can also influence tryptophan metabolism reducing its

blood concentration whereby less 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) is produced. This results in headache,

concentration decreases irritability, and sleep disturbances. In addition, lower riboflavin (vitamin B2) and thiamin

concentration in erythrocytes was reported after using OCs. Counseling on the possible effect on vitamin stores and

on proper nutrition including folic acid as monoglutamate is necessary for women who use OCs or estrogen

substitution therapy for postmenopause or for osteoporosis prophylaxis. (PubHealth.info Document ID: CONT3T

2527-06)

PubHealth.info NOTE: The author(s) of this article titled, "Folic acid and vitamin deficiency caused by oral

contraceptives. [Folsaure- und Vitaminmangel durch orale Kontrazeptiva.]", is(are) Bielenberg J. The source of this

article is "MEDIZINISCHE MONATSSCHRIFT FUR PHARMAZEUTEN. 1991 Aug;14(8):244-7.". This article was

published in 1991 in German language(s). (PubHealth.info® Document ID: CONT3T 2527-06. All rights reserved with

PubHealth.info) PIN: 12527

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