Effect of oral contraceptive steroids on vitamin A status of women and female rats
Bamji, M.S.; Ahmed, F.
World Review of Nutrition and Dietetics 31: 135-140
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0084-2230 PMID: 735123 Document Number: 442620
Studies of the interaction of oral contraceptives (OC) containing synthetic steroids with vitamin A (VtA) wre made in low-income group women. Two OC agents were found to elicit an increase in plasma VtA in a 1 month period. In an on-going WHO study, OC estrogen agents also were found to elevate plasma VtA during OC. The use of medroxyprogesterone acetate, however, failed to illicit a similar response. Explanations for these results are discussed with respect to 3 possibilities: 1) plasma VtA elevation is due to a general lipidemia; 2) OC enhances conversion of carotene to retinol; and 3) plasma VtA elevation is probably secondary to an increase in retinol-binding protein. With respect to these possibilities, there was no apparent correlation between triglycerides and VtA in the women studied. Studies on the correlation of plasma VtA and carotene in OC-treated women have given contradictory results and there were no specific changes in plasma proteins in the women studied. A study of OC-treated female rats on a low VtA diet showed significant drops in liver and plasma VtA; hence, prolonged OC use may lead to hypovitaminosis A in women whose VtA intake is marginal. Mild supplementation of OC women may not be hazardous and may be beneficial. (wz)