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: 1983

CATEGORY: Contraception (Birth Control) and Family Planning

TITLE

Nutritional consequences of oral contraceptives.

AUTHORS

Emery MG; De Lia JE

SOURCE

Family and Community Health. 1983 Nov;6(3):23-30.

ABSTRACT

Oral contraceptives (OCs) contain synthetic estrogens and progestins which have metabolic and nutritional effects,

as defined by changes in glucose, lipid and protein profiles, and vitamin and mineral levels. OCs do not invariably

produce weight gain. Glucose tolerance can be affected by OCs, leading to diabetes. The consensus is that

diabetics should avoid OCs because of the link to atherosclerosis; if used, dosage should be sub 50 microgram.

The association of OCs to arterial thrombosis may be due to the lowering of high density lipoproteins (HDL) caused

by testosterone-derived progestins (high HDL protects against heart disease). Research is needed on HDL effects.

Protein metabolism changes are similar to those in pregnancy. Protein changes associated with coagulation may

contribute to increased venous thromboembolism risk. Improved iron metabolism associated with decreased

menstrual blood loss is estimated to prevent many cases of iron deficiency anemia. Serum copper increases on

OCs, while zinc decreases. Plasma vitamin A (retinol) levels increase while plasma carotene and hepatic stores

decrease. Therefore OC users may be deficient in vitamin A if their intake is marginal. Studies on riboflavin yield

conflicting results. Pyridoxine deficiency (B6) has been demonstrated in the majority of OC users. Depression in OC

users has been linked to this deficiency. 5 mg of B6 will correct the deficiency but pharmacologic doses can

contribute to protein malnutrition. Studies show B12 is decreased. Folacin (folic acid) is also decreased, and

cases of anemia are reported in OC users. Those at risk for alcoholism, sprue, or anemia, as well as phenytoin

users and the malnourished should have supplements of physiologic doses of folic acid (200-400 micrograms).

Ascorbic acid is reduced but not to scurvy levels, and vitamin E is insignificantly reduced. Most nutritional changes

are alterations only and not metabolic disease. Most data is obsolete because effects of low dose (sub 50

microgram) preparations are not in yet. Metabolic changes must be weighed against those associated with

pregnancy. OCs should remain the preferred method of contraception for those without contraindications, that is, for

the majority of women. (PubHealth.info Document ID: CONT5T 2048-06)

PubHealth.info NOTE: The author(s) of this article titled, "Nutritional consequences of oral contraceptives.", is(are)

Emery MG; De Lia JE. The source of this article is "Family and Community Health. 1983 Nov;6(3):23-30.". This article

was published in 1983 in English language(s). (PubHealth.info® Document ID: CONT5T 2048-06. All rights reserved

with PubHealth.info) PIN: 22048

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