Depletes Vitamin B1. This medication is commonly used for Contraception
Studies suggest a potential for mild thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency with long-term use of Oral Contraceptives (OCs). One finding showed that red blood cell activity of an enzyme dependent on thiamine (transketolase) decreased during OC treatment. This decrease indicates that the cells might not have enough thiamine to function optimally, suggesting a mild thiamine deficiency induced by the contraceptives. Supplementation with thiamine (vitamin B1) should be considered for women using OCs.
Briggs MH, Briggs M. Thiamine status and oral contraceptives. Contraception. 1975 Feb;11(2):151-4. doi: 10.1016/0010-7824(75)90025-6. PMID: 1112084.Anderson KE, Bodansky O, Kappas A. Effects of oral contraceptives on vitamin metabolism. Adv Clin Chem. 1976;18:247-87. Shikh EV, Makhova AA, Chemeris AV, Tormyshov IA. [Iatrogenic deficits of micronutrients]. Vopr Pitan. 2021;90(4):53-63. Russian. Bielenberg J. Folsäure- und Vitaminmangel durch orale Kontrazeptiva [Folic acid and vitamin deficiency caused by oral contraceptives]. Med Monatsschr Pharm. 1991 Aug;14(8):244-7. German. PMID: 1921842.
Vitamin B1 Thiamine — 10 mg
Vitamin B12 deficiency is strongly associated with cognitive impairment, including problems with memory, attention, and executive function, and is considered a reversible cause of dementia when caught early. Low or borderline B12 levels are more common in older adults, particularly those with atrophic gastritis, long-term use of acid-suppressing medications, or vegetarian/vegan diets, and studies show that deficient individuals often perform worse on cognitive tests than those with adequate status. Clinically, correcting B12 deficiency can lead to measurable improvements in cognition and mood in some patients, which is why B12 levels are routinely checked in the evaluation of cognitive decline and suspected dementia.
Low or deficient vitamin B12 status elevates homocysteine levels by impairing its conversion to methionine, a process that requires B12 as a cofactor. This hyperhomocysteinemia is linked to increased cardiovascular risks, including atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke, through vascular inflammation and endothelial damage. Additionally, low B12 contributes to metabolic disturbances like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes risk, compounding heart health concerns in susceptible individuals.
Low or depleted vitamin B12 status is linked to reduced bone mineral density (BMD), increasing osteoporosis risk in both men and women. Individuals with low B12 show significantly lower BMD at key sites like the hip and spine compared to those with adequate levels. Routine serum B12 monitoring, alongside periodic bone density scans and supplementation for at-risk groups, helps preserve bone health and mitigate fracture risks.
Vitamin B12 Methylcobalamin by Pure Encapsulations — 0.2 mg