Research underway at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City has found that taking birth control pills may lower the body’s levels of certain antioxidants that are believed to contribute to smooth skin and overall health.
Scientists tested the blood of 65 nonsmoking women who were not taking supplements, and those taking oral birth control pills had 37 percent lower levels of coenzyme Q10 and 23 percent lower vitamin E levels. Researchers believe the estrogen found in the birth control pills is responsible since it alters the fat in the cell membranes where these antioxidants are stored. What does this mean for you? If you’re currently taking oral birth control, consider taking supplements since it’s difficult to get high amounts of these nutrients from food alone.
