The Pill and Your Health

Health news today reports on a higher than average heart health risk from aterial plaque if you've taken birth control pills. This has been a topic of discussion for many years however little if any attention has been provided to the nutrient deficiencies caused by the pill.

It is my view that these deficiencies, especially the B vitamin deficiencies have a good grounding as the cause.

Depleted nutrients include: Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Magnesium and Zinc. If taking oral contraceptives it is recommended that intake of the following nutrients be increased to the levels listed:

Nutrient Daily Amounts (in 1 or 2 doses)
Vitamin B6 50-100 mg.
Vitamin B12 50-200 mcg.
Folic acid 600-800 mcg.
Vitamin E 400-600 IU
Vitamin C 1-3 g.
Zinc 20-40 mg.

Nutrient Program for Oral Contraceptives from Dr. Haas

Water 1½-3 qt.
Vitamin A 5,000-10,000 IUs
Calcium* 600-1,000 mg.
Beta-carotene 10,000-20,000 IUs
Chromium 200-400 mcg.
Vitamin D 200-400 IUs
Copper 1-2 mg.
Vitamin E 400-600 IUs
Iron 15-20 mg.
Thiamine (B1) 25-50 mg.
Magnesium* 400-600 mg.
Riboflavin (B2) 25-50 mg.
Manganese 5-10 mg.
Niacin or niacinamide (B3) 25-50 mg.
Molybdenum 150-300 mcg.
Pantothenic acid (B5) 50-250 mg.
Phosphorus 600-800 mg.
Pyridoxine(B6) 25-200 mg.
Potassium 1-2 g.
Cobalamin (B12) 50-200 mcg.
Selenium 150-300 mcg.
Folic acid 600-800 mcg.
Zinc 30-60 mg.
Biotin 200-400 mcg.
PABA 25-50 mg.
Fatty acids, olive, or Flaxseed oils 1-2 teaspoons
Vitamin C 1-3 g.
Bioflavonoids 250-500 mg.

So along with the pill make sure to get your bottle of high quality pre-natal vitamins.