How are vitamins affected by the pill?
I have to stay on the pill for health reasons but I’ve heard that it interferes with certain vitamins. Which ones do I need extra of to be really healthy? Thank you, Lynette.
Hi Lynette. It is true that the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) can deplete numerous vitamins and minerals in the body. So it’s important to know how to best support your body. Here’s a list of all the vitamins and minerals that can be affected in varying levels and how to make sure you’re getting what you need. lead to heavy menstrual bleeding and cervical problems. Betacarotene rich foods include sweet potato, carrots, dark leafy greens such as kale and retinol rich foods include liver. vitamin C inside your body and can reduce levels by up to 30 per cent. A deficiency can result in bruising, spider veins, bleeding gums, loss of appetite, muscular weakness, anaemia, fatigue and a lowered immune response. Amp up your capsicum, dark green leafy vegetable, kiwifruit, broccoli, berry and citrus fruit intake or take a good quality supplement. conception) and deficiencies result in greater risk of abnormal synthesis of DNA and congenital abnormalities. Deficiency can also lead to damage to the wall of the small intestine, anaemia and elevated homocysteine levels, which have been associated with heart disease, various gynecological conditions and repeated miscarriage. Folate-rich whole foods include dark leafy greens, asparagus, broccoli, citrus fruits, beans, peas, lentils and avocado. Email your questions for Dr Libby to ask.drlibby@fairfaxmedia.co.nz. Please note, only a selection of questions can be answered.