In adults with prolonged thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, an axonal polyneuropathy can develop that causes distal weakness, areflexia, and sensory loss that is typically more pronounced in the lower than the upper limbs. Clinicians often describe this “dry beriberi” neuropathy as starting with burning paresthesias and numbness in the feet, then ascending proximally over weeks to months as motor involvement and gait impairment emerge. The hopeful aspect is that timely and adequate thiamine repletion can halt progression and partially reverse neurologic deficits, especially when treatment begins before severe axonal loss and muscle wasting are established. This medication is commonly used for Contraception.
Nisar S, Yousuf Wani I, Altaf U, Muzaffer U, Kareem O, Tanvir M, Ganie MA. Thiamine deficiency-related neuropathy: A reversible entity from an endemic area. Eur J Neurol. 2024 Mar;31(3):e16155. Shible AA, Ramadurai D, Gergen D, Reynolds PM. Dry Beriberi Due to Thiamine Deficiency Associated with Peripheral Neuropathy and Wernicke's Encephalopathy Mimicking Guillain-Barré syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Am J Case Rep. 2019 Mar 13;20:330-334. Hamel JI, Logigian EL. Clinical Spectrum and Prognosis in Patients With Acute Nutritional Axonal Neuropathy. Neurology. 2023 May 16;100(20):e2134-e2140. Staff NP, Windebank AJ. Peripheral neuropathy due to vitamin deficiency, toxins, and medications. Continuum (Minneap Minn). 2014 Oct;20(5 Peripheral Nervous System Disorders):1293-306.
Some side effects may be linked to nutrient depletion caused by this medication.
Women using oral contraceptives (OCs) for extended periods may experience a decrease in their folate levels. Studies suggest that OC use might lower blood folate levels by up to 40%. This depletion can be a concern because folate plays a crucial role in red blood cell production. One research finding highlights a case where a patient developed anemia and nerve problems (polyneuropathy) after stopping vitamin B12 therapy, suggesting that folate deficiency might have been the main underlying issue. Supplementation of folate should be considered during oral contraceptive use.
Research suggests a potential decrease in magnesium levels in women using Oral Contraceptives (OCs). Studies have shown that women taking OCs have significantly lower serum magnesium compared to those not using them. Interestingly, the type of pill or duration of use doesn't seem to influence the degree of magnesium depletion. The observed decrease in magnesium with OC use might be associated with an increased risk of blood clots. Supplementation with magnesium should be considered during oral contraceptives use.
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.
Oral contraceptives (OCs) have been linked to a decrease in Vitamin B12 levels. Studies have shown a significant reduction in serum B12, the vitamin circulating in the blood, in women taking OCs for extended periods. One US study found a 40% decrease in B12 levels after five years of OC use. This decrease is concerning because vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in converting a form of folate (N-methyltetrahydrofolic acid) into its active form (tetrahydrofolic acid). This active folate is essential for healthy red blood cell production and other bodily functions. Due to the vital role of vitamin B12, supplementation when using OCs long-term should be considered.
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.
Studies suggest that women using oral contraceptives might have lower levels of vitamin C within their white blood cells (leukocytes) and platelets. This depletion could be linked to reduced activity of antioxidant enzymes like glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) in the blood. These enzymes play a role in protecting cells from damage. Research also shows that supplementing with vitamin C, alongside vitamin E, can significantly increase the activity of these antioxidant enzymes in women taking OCs. This suggests that vitamin C supplementation might be beneficial for women on birth control pills.
Studies suggest that oral contraceptives (OCs) may contribute to zinc deficiency. Research has shown a significant decrease in serum zinc levels, the zinc circulating in the blood, in women taking OCs. This decrease is thought to be due to potential changes in how the body absorbs, excretes, or utilizes zinc within tissues. Due to its vital role in many bodily functions, ensuring sufficient zinc intake through supplementation should be considered for women on birth control pills.
Women using oral contraceptives (OCs) may experience mood changes, including depression. Research suggests a potential link between these emotional shifts and a decrease in brain levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (noradrenaline). This decrease could be related to reduced availability of its precursor molecule, tyrosine, in the brain. Studies have shown a significant decline in tyrosine levels in women on OCs. One study found that the area under the curve (AUC) in plasma for tyrosine in OC users were 43% of control levels. Tyrosine supplementation could potentially help regulate mood and improve emotional well-being while taking OCs.
Women using Oral Contraceptives (OCs) may benefit from including vitamin B2 (riboflavin) in their regimen. Vitamin B2 plays a critical role in activating other B vitamins, like folic acid and B6, which are essential for various bodily functions. Studies have shown that women on OCs have lower levels of active vitamin B2, as measured by the activity of an enzyme dependent on it (glutathione reductase). These reduced levels might be linked to migraines, a frequent side effect of OCs that can sometimes lead women to discontinue the medication. By ensuring adequate B2 intake, women on OCs may potentially experience reduced migraine frequency and benefit from the proper activation of other B vitamins.
When using oral contraceptives (OCs), the body might experience increased oxidative stress due to hormonal changes. Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, could potentially help counteract this stress and promote cellular health. Research shows that combining vitamin E with vitamin C supplementation might be even more beneficial. Studies like one where Group C received both vitamins showed a significant increase in the activity of enzymes (GPx and GR) crucial for antioxidant defense, along with a reduction in markers of oxidative damage (plasma MDA levels). This suggests that a combined approach with vitamins E and C might offer enhanced protection against cellular stress for women using OCs.