BCP Nutrition Depletion
What you need to know about nutrients depleted by the birth control pill.
Many women today are on a birth control pill prescribed to them by their doctors. Birth control is easy to routinely take as if one is taking a dailty multivitamin. However, there is misconception behind what birth control can actually do to your body.
A common misconception is that the birth control pill will regulate your menstrual cycle. Birth control is actually designed to suppress the natural production of hormones in the body as a form of suppressive hormone therapy. In doing so, there are a multitude of side effects that arise from this- including nutrient depletion.
So, today we're asking what nutrients are depleted from birth control? And how can we supplement our bodies for our individual needs?
Hormonal birth control use has been well known by researchers to deplete a multitude of nutrients including essential nutrients like vitamins C, B2, and B6. However, most patients put on the Pill are unaware of the many risks involved when taking it. Researchers are finding that the more serious side effects of hormonal birth control- blood clots and depression as examples- can actually be contributed to nutritional depletion.
Nutrients function in the body in more ways than one. From breaking down fats and proteins to helping regulate our energy and hormones, they play an essential role in the body.
Nutritional deficiencies can add up over long periods of time, and they may feel subtle at first. It is important to consider how many girls are put on birth control in their early teens, and how long they are taking hormonal birth control. Many girls will continue to take the Pill as they age- only pausing if they wish to get pregnant. Taking hormonal birth control for years can have detrimental effects to our bodies.
So, let's dive into what nutrients are depleted, and why it is important.
Vitamin B1:
Function in the body- Carbohydrate conversion, breaks down fats & protein, digestion, nervous system, skin, hair, eyes, mouth, liver, immune system
Symptoms when depleted- Depression, irritability, edema, heart, age-related cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s, fatigue
Vitamin B2:
Function in the body- Metabolism, carbohydrate conversion, breaks down fats & protein, digestion, nervous system, skin, hair, eyes, mouth, liver
Symptoms when depleted- Anemia, decreased free radical protection, cataracts, poor thyroid function, fatigue, muscle weakness, elevated homocysteine, nerves
Vitamin B3:
Function in the body- Energy, digestion, nervous system, skin, hair, eyes, liver, eliminates toxins, sex/stress hormones, improves circulation
Symptoms when depleted- Cracking, scaling skin, swollen tongue, digestive problems, diarrhea, confusion, anxiety, fatigue
Vitamin B6:
Function in the body- Enzyme, protein metabolism, Red blood cell production, reduces, homocysteine, nerve & muscle cells, DNA/RNA, B12 absorption, immune function
Symptoms when depleted- Depression, sleep and skin problems, increased cardiovascular disease risk, confusion, anxiety, fatigue
Vitamin B12:
Function in the body- Healthy nerve cells, DNA/RNA, red blood cell production, iron function
Symptoms when depleted- Anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite/weight, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, depression, dementia, poor memory, oral soreness, increased cardiovascular risk
Vitamin C:
Function in the body- Enzyme activation, second messenger roles (transmitting hormonal information), blood clotting, cell and cell organelle membrane function, nerve impulse transmission and muscular contraction, tone and irritability
Symptoms when depleted- Muscular and nervous irritability, muscle spasms, muscle cramps and tetany, tooth decay, periodontal disease, lowered immune system, easy bruising, poor wound healing, depression, possibly hypertension
Folic Acid:
Function in the body- Mental health, infant DNA/RNA, adolescence & pregnancy, with B12 to regulate RBC production, iron function, reduce homocysteine
Symptoms when depleted- Anemia, immune function, fatigue, insomnia, hair, high homocysteine, cardiovascular disease, birth defects, cervical dysplasia
Selenium:
Function in the body- Antioxidant, works with vitamin E (thins blood), immune function, prostaglandin production
Symptoms when depleted- Destruction to heart/pancreas, sore muscles, fragility of red blood cells, reduced antioxidant protection, immune system
Magnesium:
Function in the body- Involved in 300 biochemical body reactions, muscle/nerve function, heart rhythm, immune system, strong bones, regulates calcium, copper, zinc, potassium, vitamin D
Symptoms when depleted- Appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue cramps, numbness, tingling, seizures, asthma, osteoporosis, heart spasms, heart rhythm, cardiovascular problems, personality changes, PMS
Zinc:
Function in the body- Supports enzymes, immune system, wound healing, taste/smell, DNA synthesis, normal growth & development during pregnancy, childhood and adolescence
Symptoms when depleted- Growth retardation, hair loss, diarrhea, impotence, eye & skin lesions, loss of appetite, taste, weight loss, would healing, weak immunity, mental lethargy
10 nutrients depleted by the Birth Control Pill. Naturalterrain. (2019, June 26). Retrieved June 2, 2022, from https://naturalterrain.com/10-nutrients-depleted-by-the-birth-control-pill/
Birth control and vitamin deficiency. PocketPills. (2020, September 1). Retrieved June 2, 2022, from https://www.pocketpills.com/blog/birth-control/birth-control-and-vitamin-deficiency
Grace Emily Stark | Jan 6. (2022, March 29). Hormonal birth control depletes your body of key nutrients. Natural Womanhood. Retrieved June 2, 2022, from https://naturalwomanhood.org/is-oral-contraceptive-pill-safe-depletes-nutrients-depression-bad-for-you-092018/
