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tions, dry and scaly skin, lack of appetite and vigour, defective teeth and gums and retarded growth are also reported in the case of a deficiency. Vitamin A is also an important anti-oxidant and anti-cancer vitamin, and better taken as beta-carotene, to avoid toxicity. ¢ Vitamin B1 (Thiamine): There is a probability that Pill tak- ers are deficient in this vitamin. Side effects include fatigue, weakness, insomnia, vague aches and pains, weight loss, depres- sion, irritability, lack of initiative, constipation, oversensitivity to noise, loss of appetite and circulatory problems. ¢ Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): Requirements of the body are raised by use of the Pill, leading to deficiencies. Side effects include gum and mouth infections, dizziness, depression, eye irri- tation, skin problems and dandruff. ¢ Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Depletion varies from marginal to severe. Side effects include nausea, low stress tolerance, lethargy, anxiety, depression, weakness, nervousness, emotional flare-ups, fatigue, insomnia, mild paranoia, skin eruptions, loss of muscular control, eye problems, herpes infection and oedema (fluid reten- tion). Vitamin B6 is needed to help convert tryptophan to sero- tonin (a brain compound that affects moods, sleep patterns, psy- chological drive and sexual desire), to normalise sugar metabo- lism and to help prevent blood clots forming. * Folic Acid: Levels are reduced when on the Pill. The most severe problem resulting from this is if conception occurs during Pill use, or shortly after going off the Pill when the body is trying to recover from this folic acid deficiency. Since folic acid is required by the body to facilitate cell division (a process that starts immediately after conception), there is a much higher risk of birth defects, including neural tube defects, spina bifida, deformed limbs and mongolism, if this nutrient is deficient. Deficiencies can also lead to anaemia. ¢ Vitamin B12 (Cobalamine): Levels in the blood are lowered in Pill users, especially vegetarians. Resulting effects include anaemia, sore tongue, weight loss and depression. ¢ Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Levels are reduced on the Pill by up to 30 per cent, and this is worsened by smoking, stress, high pollution levels, infections and some medications. The effective- ness of vitamin C supplementation can also be reduced, which can result in bleeding gums, bruising, eye problems, loss of appetite, ce aes EES “a 75 a a Ce aes ¢ Zee rah ~ Wigs mz sia fa aot ie ee ee es = er SAE re aaa Fismecba awaoal Tbacan ae SPR YA 2 howiomr.. Cs T'v€ gor a Ly yy a.) a ee [fee — (SRE J 24 = NEXUS muscular weakness, anaemia, fatigue and lowered immune response. This vitamin is also necessary for the production of the sex hormones in the body—something your body has to start doing for itself when you come off the Pill. A deficiency in vita- min C can make it even harder for the body to resume normal hor- mone production. ¢ Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol): Oecstrogens in the Pill increase the body's need for vitamin E, though this vitamin does help normalise oestrogen levels. Effects of a vitamin E deficiency include anaemia, muscle degeneration, subsequent low fertility, changes in the menstrual cycle, and hot flushes. It is also needed to help offset the possible carcinogenic effect of the oestrogen, as is selenium, which plays a part in vitamin E absorption, though its levels are decreased by the Pill. ¢ Vitamin K (Menadione): The Pill causes increased levels of vitamin K, which may lead to blood clot formations. * Copper: Absorption is increased, raising the body's need for vitamin C, disrupting the zinc/copper balance and leading to insomnia, depression, migraine, hair loss and the possibility of high blood pressure and clotting tendencies. ¢Zinc: Levels are significantly lowered by the Pill. This can lead to diabetes, poor resistance to infection, skin infections, low- ered fertility and other problems. This mineral is crucial for nor- mal growth, cell division and tissue repair. It is very important during pregnancy as it is present in over 200 enzyme systems in the body and is crucial for the development of brain function and a competent immune system—another reason to avoid conceiving while on, or soon after ceasing to use, the Pill. Long-term Pill users can find it difficult to build back their zinc status to an ade- quate level. ¢ Prostaglandins: Levels of certain prostaglandins are lower on the Pill. These are normally made from essential fatty acids, using zinc as a catalyst, and decrease tendencies to clot forma- tions. ¢ Blood Lipids: Low-density lipids, cholesterol and triglyc- eride levels are increased when on the Pill, raising the risk of heart disease. ¢ Serum Proteins: These are altered by use of the Pill. It is most important to stop taking the Pill and replenish nutri- ents for three to six months before attempting to conceive. It is also recommended that each woman consult with a qualified nat- ural practitioner to assess her specific nutritional needs, whether she is presently on the Pill or has come off it. INFERTILITY Infertility is a cause of growing concern around the world. In Australia, one out of 10 couples is unable to conceive, and in England the statistic is one in six. There are presently 10 million infertile Americans. There is no doubt that the Pill is a major con- tributing factor to infertility. In The Couples' Guide to Infertility (1995 revised edition), Dr Gary S. Berger and his associates reported that, "Long-term Pill users may not menstruate or ovulate after they stop using the Pill. This condition, known as post-Pill amenorrhoea, occurs because the Pill disrupts the natural rhythmic flow of hormones from the hypothalamus to the pituitary to the ovaries. This may pose a spe- cial problem for older women who have been on the Pill for many years because their ovaries may have become resistant to resum- ing ovulation." What is even more alarming for women is that a return to ovu- lation when the Pill is stopped does not mean a return to fertility. The Pill can damage the glands that produce the kind of cervical mucus that is necessary for fertilisation. There may also be an AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 1997