A recent study showed that women who took the Pill for at least 6 months had significantly lower concentrations of CoQ10 and Vitamin E than women who were not on the Pill. CoQ10 and vitamin E, fat soluble anti-oxidants support energy production and protects against free radical damage. CoQ10 is produced by the human body and is necessary for mitochondrial energy production as well as antioxidant protection. Although the researchers did not discuss it in their article it is interesting that the lower concentrations of Vitamin E can be because of a CoQ10 reduction, as CoQ10 helps ‘recycle’ Vitamin E. You can read the entire research article here: Oral Contraception and antioxidant status
Other research has shown that the Pill depletes Zinc and B6 and potentially other vitamins and minerals. What should a woman do who chooses to be on the Pill? Definitely should be on some sort of supplementation program. My favorite minerals are liquid minerals developed by biochemist Patricia Kane, called E-Lytes. They are ionic and easily absorbed. For Vitamin E one should take a mixed tocopherol and tocotrienol combination as taking the standard alpha-tocopherol will deplete the other vitamin E forms. CoQ10 isn’t easily absorbed (about 2-4%) and is expensive. The best way to get CoQ10 into the muscles is through interval training, although regular exercise is good too. Food sources of CoQ10 aren’t abundant, the best being animal muscle meats and liver.
In Health,
George Mandler LicAc
George Mandler
Licensed Acupuncturist & Nutritionist Dietitian
Acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, & Nutrition
Boston, Jamaica Plain, Brookline, Massachusetts
