Amelioration of lipid abnormalities by vitamin therapy in women using oral contraceptives

Abstract

ObjectiveCombined oral contraceptives (COCs) have some adverse effects on the serum lipid profile. Because hyperlipidemia is one of the risk factors in cardiovascular diseases, lipid abnormalities should be evaluated in women consuming COCs. Vitamins E and C are known to have beneficial effects on serum lipid profiles. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the effects of vitamins E and C on serum lipids in women using COCs.MethodsThe study compared changes in lipid parameters with and without vitamin therapy in women consuming COCs compared to those of a control group (40 non-contraceptive users or NCU) for 4 weeks. Total cholesterol and triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels along with HDL/LDL ratios were measured for all participants.ResultsCOC users experienced significantly higher increases in the levels of triglycerides and LDL than non-users (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were noted in the total cholesterol and HDL levels. In the treated COC group receiving vitamins E and C, the HDL level and the HDL/LDL ratio increased and the LDL and triglycerides levels decreased significantly compared with those of the other groups.ConclusionThe results of our study indicate that supplementation with antioxidant vitamins E and C restores a normal lipid profile in COC users.

Lipid profile and cardiovascular risk indices of women on various types of contraceptives in the Ho Municipality of Ghana

“…4 Some research has reported a 22% rise in Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol among users of combined oral contraceptive (COC) without a concomitant increase in HDL resulting in a reduction of HDL/LDL ratio. 5 Furthermore prolonged use of oral contraceptives decreases glucose tolerance over time by increasing insulin resistance and decreasing beta cell function. 6,7 In another study, the injectable contraceptive; depot medroxyprogesterone acetate was reported to cause increases in LDL cholesterol levels and decreases in HDL cholesterol concentration.…”

A Review of the Effects of Oral Contraceptives on Nutrient Status, with Especial Consideration to Folate in UK

“…However, given the differences in the formulations used in these studies-both qualitative and quantitative-their findings remain controversial, as does the potential association between the use of OCs and cardiovascular disease risks [150,151]. It is recognized that both vitamins C and E confer enhanced effects on the profiles of lipids and the impact of the use of COCs on serum lipids in women over 4 weeks has been investigated in one study [152]. Statistically significantly higher increases in the levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and LDL were reported in COC users than non-users.…”

A Importância Da Suplementação Vitamínica Na Diminuição Do Risco Cardiovascular Em Usuárias De Anticoncepcionais Hormonais (Vitaminas E Diminuição Do Risco Cardiovascular)

“…8 Visto que a dislipidemia e alterações nos mecanismos de oxidação são um dos fatores de risco da DAC, a prevenção desses efeitos secundários é de extrema importância. Evidências experimentais e epidemiológicas sugeriram que algumas vitaminas antioxidantes, C e E, mostram-se eficientes na redução da dislipidemia e de danos oxidativos e assim diminuindo o risco cardiovascular [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] .…”