Effect of Oral Contraceptive Use on Health and Serum Micronutrient Levels

Abstract

Oral contraceptives (OC), which are widely used by women of reproductive age worldwide, can be preferred for the purpose of treating certain diseases as well as birth control. Since the first time it was introduced in the market, many changes have been made in the content of OCs, especially in reducing the dosage of estrogen, and in this way, it is aimed to reduce the possible side effects; however, various health and nutrition problems continue in the use of OCs today. The most important of health problems are the increase in thromboembolism, some types of cancer. When nutritional problems are examined, it is not clear whether there is a change in nutritional requirements in women using OC, so it is not clear whether there will be changes in their diet. However, it is stated that the use of OC is associated with deficiencies of many micronutrients, especially vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, folic acid and zinc. Therefore, providing optimum nutrition, which plays a fundamental role for optimum health, is possible with early precautions in these individuals. In order to prevent possible micronutrient deficiencies, providing adequate and balanced nutrition after evaluation of nutrition or the use of food supplements with the recommendation of a physician should be considered as a first-line solution recommendation.