Everyday Health

I'm in my late 20's and don't take any vitamins or supplements. A friend told me I should be taking some as I'm on the pill. Is this true, and if so, which ones do you recommend?

"It is true that on the contraceptive pill there are vitamins and minerals that commonly become depleted over time. The most common of these are the B vitamins, and minerals like zinc. There are over-the-counter pharmacy vitamin formulations specifically for replacing the nutrients the pill depletes, such as the Clinicians range. A dietary intake of healthy probiotic yoghurt or cultures is also important because the pill can unbalance healthy gut bacteria creating digestive and thrush-based problems, and upsetting B vitamin production in the gut over time. I don't recommend everyone takes a multivitamin. However, when you are on the pill it is a good idea to take a good women's multivitamin and mineral mix from time to time to replace the pill induced nutrient depletion." (Smith, 2012)

Do you have any questions about the Contraceptive Pill?

Please feel free to post your questions below or ask us on facebook. Alternatively you can email us on apple@nhlab.co.nz or free phone 0800 622 533 to speak to our natural medical team.

Source: Smith, H. (2012, January). Ask Our Experts. Good Health Magazine , p. 162.