Can birth control pills deplete nutrients?   The answer is yes.   Watch this podcast on YouTube.com

Birth control pills  are made of synthetic hormones, were first approved in 1960 as a means of preventing pregnancy. When used appropriately, they are 99.7 percent effective.   Worldwide, over 100 million women take them.   

These pills can deplete B vitamins and magnesium, so if they are prescribed to you, consider taking a daily prenatal vitamin at a minimum.   

Most women on birth control pills will also need to supplement with magnesium, especially if muscle cramps, headaches, and heart palpitations occur.  

Nutrients depleted by birth control pills include the following:  

Calcium 

Magnesium 

Vitamin C 

Zinc 

Folic Acid 

Vitamin B2 

Vitamin B6 

Vitamin B12 

Vitamin D  

Ideally, a well balanced diet rich in colorful fruits and  vegetables can help one get most of these nutrients.  Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D may need to be taken separately.   

If you choose to Supplement, here are the doses to consider:

 -Calcium 500 mg daily (one needs adequate vitamin D to ensure absorption of calcium) 

-Magnesium chelate -125 mg to 500 mg daily 

- B-Complex multivitamin 

- Vitamin C-500 mg daily minimum 

- Zinc-10 mg to 25 mg (also present in a quality multivitamin) 

- Vitamin D-2,000 IU to 5,000 IU daily  

Lastly, If you have any concerns about whether your medication is affecting your nutritional status, consult with your physician.  Remember, this information is not routinely taught to us physicians in Medical School.      

Also, realize that there are other side effects to birth control pills.  These increase high blood pressure, blood clots to name a few. 

Sources: 

Drug Muggers: Which Medications Are Robbing Your Body of Essential Nutrients--and Natural Ways to Restore Them by Suzy Cohen.  

DISCLAIMER: The information in this video is for informational purposes only. Consult with your own personal physician before stopping any medications. 

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