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Q: 

Is it safe to take multivitamins/vitamin supplements with the birth control Pill?

By Anonymous February 9, 2016 - 10:10am
 
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I just started taking birth control pills (brand Gynera) a few days ago, and I asked my doctor if I could continue taking my multivitamins (I take Centrum, as well as biotin and cod liver oil supplements) as normal, and he said no. I asked for the reason why (not to be rude to him, but I wanted to know the reason) and he said "The problem with vitamins and the pill is that if you miss the vitamins you can get pregnant."

Is this true? Sometimes I do forget to take the vitamins. Do they affect the effectiveness of the Pill? or can I keep taking them like normal? I've seen online that you can take them normally.

Thanks!

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Guide

Hello RK,

According to the McKinley Health Center ( University of Illinois ) website, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) can interact with an oral contraceptive by raising estrogen levels in the blood. St. John's Wort may lower blood concentrations of hormones that suppress ovulation.

Citing the Student Health and Counseling Center ( University of Alaska) website, Multi-vitamins do not affect the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. However, drug interactions with oral contraceptives are of two types; effects of other drugs on oral contraceptive efficacy and the effects of oral contraceptives on other drugs.

Oral contraceptives do affect serum plasma or blood levels of vitamin and minerals in your body. They may increase Vitamin A, copper and iron. They may decrease thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), pyridoxine (B6), cobalamin (B12), ascorbic acid (C), folic acid, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.

Because of these effects it is important to take a multi-vitamin and calcium with magnesium and Vitamin D3 while you are taking oral contraceptives.

RK, I could not find any credible evidence to support what your physician told you.

Regards,
Maryann

February 9, 2016 - 10:35am
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