Serum folate and Vitamin B12 levels in women using modern oral contraceptives (OC) containing 20 microg ethinyl estradiol.
OBJECTIVE
The effects of modern oral contraceptives (OC) on serum concentrations of folate and cobalamin are controversial.


METHODS
Case-control study on the cobalamin and folate status of 71 healthy female nulligravidae using "low dose" OC for >or=3 months and 170 controls. Factors interfering with vitamin metabolism were thoroughly controlled. Serum concentrations were measured by commercial assays. The results were evaluated using Mann-Whitney's U-test and chi(2) analysis.


RESULTS
OC-users showed significantly lower concentrations of cobalamin than controls. The rates of women with reduced, normal, and elevated levels differed significantly. Nine users but no control had frank cobalamin deficiency without clinical symptoms. Folate levels did not differ between the groups. Vegetarian diet, smoking or obesity did not have a significant influence.


CONCLUSIONS
Routine measurement of cobalamin or folate in women using "low dose" OC is not warranted. Vitamin supplementation or different contraceptive methods should be considered in women with pre-existing cobalamin deficiency or restrictive dietary habits.
Sütterlin
Marc W
MW
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str 4, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany.
Bussen
Stefanie S
SS
Rieger
Lorenz
L
Dietl
Johannes
J
Steck
Thomas
T
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D014676:Diet, Vegetarian; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000097:blood; D012907:Smoking / Q000097:blood; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000097:blood*; D014806:Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / Q000453:epidemiology
D003276:Contraceptives, Oral; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D005492:Folic Acid; D014805:Vitamin B 12