Depletes Vitamin B6. This medication is commonly used for Contraception
Research suggests that oral contraceptives (OCs) may play a role in vitamin B6 deficiency. A deficiency is concerning because vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in mood regulation and blood sugar control. Some women using OCs experience symptoms like depression and impaired glucose tolerance, which could potentially be linked to this vitamin B6 deficiency. Low vitamin B6 levels are independently associated with an increased risk of blood clots in both arteries and veins (venous and arterial thromboembolism, or TE). This association suggests that the B6 deficiency caused by OCs might partly explain the higher risk of TE observed in women using birth control pills. This highlights the importance of ensuring adequate vitamin B6 intake for women on OCs and therefore supplementation should be considered.
Lussana F, Zighetti ML, Bucciarelli P, Cugno M, Cattaneo M. Blood levels of homocysteine, folate, vitamin B6 and B12 in women using oral contraceptives compared to non-users. Thromb Res. 2003;112(1-2):37-41.Shikh EV, Makhova AA, Chemeris AV, Tormyshov IA. [Iatrogenic deficits of micronutrients]. Vopr Pitan. 2021;90(4):53-63. Russian. Palmery M, Saraceno A, Vaiarelli A, Carlomagno G. Oral contraceptives and changes in nutritional requirements. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2013 Jul;17(13):1804-13. PMID: 23852908. Victor Wynn. Vitamins and Oral Contraceptives. The Lancet. Volume 305, Issue 7906, March 08, 1975.
Vitamin B6 (50% Pyridoxine HCL, 50% P-5-P) — 10 mg
In the brain, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is needed to produce neurotransmitters and to keep homocysteine in check, so low B6 status has been linked to both depressed mood and subtle cognitive problems such as slower processing and poorer attention in some adults. Observational work in older populations suggests that lower blood levels or intakes of B6 tend to track with worse performance on memory, executive‑function, and psychomotor‑speed tests, raising concern that marginal B6 status may contribute to age‑related cognitive decline. Clinically, when B6 deficiency coexists with depression, correcting it is viewed as one modifiable factor that may help support clearer thinking and better cognitive function alongside standard psychiatric and lifestyle treatments.
Vitamin B6 (50% Pyridoxine and 50% P-5-P) by Pure Encapsulations — 10 mg